Fighting within Tinubu’s Cabinet as APC leaders vie for cabinet positions

As governors, past governors, and party officials compete to propose positions to President Bola Tinubu, the agitation for cabinet berths has sparked conflict inside several state APC chapters.

Vanguard learned that some leaders of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, among other parties, are also said to be vying for positions on the ministerial list, in addition to APC stakeholders who claim they supported the president during the presidential election on February 25.

After July 4, the President may send a list to the Senate

Tinubu must officially pick his cabinet and submit it to the Senate for approval within 60 days after taking the oath of office on May 29.

According to numerous sources, the President is anticipated to deliver the Senate the list of nominees when it reconvenes in session on July 4.

Fights within the APC

The decision by the APC in Osun to censure the state’s former speaker and interior minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, may have something to do with Osun’s ministry openings.

Aregbesola and Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, the state’s most recent governor, have a tense relationship as a result of the latter’s reported attempts to undermine Oyetola’s chances of winning reelection in 2022.

In a statement, the APC in Osun State stated that it had made the decision to “deal with members involved in anti-party during the recent governorship and general election in the state.”

Similar conflicts exist between Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, the NNPP presidential candidate, and Alhaji Umar Ganduje, the former governor of Kano State.

APC members in Oyo State are reportedly uncomfortable with Governor Seyi Makinde’s relationship with President Tinubu.

APC leaders strike out at outsiders

Only “real APC members should be appointed,” according to one of the justifications advanced by APC leaders and members.
They claimed that during the previous administration, guests received benefits from their party-related contributions.

Special advisers to Tinubu

The nomination of Mr. Dele Alake as Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, and Mr. Nuhu Ribadu as Special Adviser, Security, was approved by President Tinubu last week.

According to a statement by the State House’s Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Mr. Yau Darazo, Special Adviser for Political and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Wale Edun, Special Adviser for Monetary Policies, and Mrs. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser for Energy, are the other individuals appointed.

Mr. John Uwajumogu, Special Advisor for Industry, Trade, and Investment; Mrs. Salma Anas, Special Adviser for Health; and Zacchaeus Adedeji were all appointed.

Controversy over ministerial openings

Vanguard learned that lobbyists have been submitting the Presidency prospective candidates’ credentials (CVs) since the appointment of special advisers, which are being collated for examination.

Some reports claim that President Tinubu has not revealed the people who are most likely to become members of his cabinet despite the lobbying efforts of governors, past governors, and leaders from other political parties.

Also, sources told Vanguard that the President’s senior aides were unaware of who would join the cabinet.

Invasion by lobbyists at Aso Rock

“I know they are collecting CVs of ministry nominees,” a close associate of a previous governor claimed. As you are aware, the Senate has adjourned its regular session until July 4 and will begin reviewing ministerial nominees as soon as it resumes. There is currently no mention of a name.

Another insider informed Fabenmedia that party leaders had been left in the dark due to the president’s secrecy surrounding the list.

Another insider told Vanguard that party leaders had been left in the dark since the president had kept the list under wraps.
The president has not made public the nominees for ministerial positions, the source claimed. Even people who are supposedly close to the president don’t know who is likely to be on the list.

I’m confident that the list is prepared, and I believe that the President may have handed it to the Senate President informally.

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Tinubu is unconcerned with internal disputes—Source

Vanguard was also informed that some of the APC state chapters have fractured as a result of the competition for cabinet positions.
A source who provided information about the internal fighting within the APC stated: “The conflict has been going on and they are still battling. The President, I’ve been told, won’t pay attention to those battling for themselves.

Ministers may be supervised by Special Advisers.

Another insider also made the suggestion that ministers would only serve as ceremonial heads while the president would likely grant special advisers greater authority.

According to what he knew, the president will be assisted by 20 special advisers who will have significant influence. They will most likely be the cabal.

“The internal strife in the APC is significant.” While some are supporting former Kano governor Umar Ganduje, Tinubu has sided with Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, the NNPP’s presidential candidate.

“Ganduje has sadly lost Kano State and is no longer important. Kwakwanso could be appointed defence minister.

The National Unity Government

According to the source, Tinubu meant to include everyone following the election petition tribunal while discussing the possibility of the President appointing a Government of National Unity, or GNU.

“Tinubu would probably form a Government of National Unity, and it will be inclusive,” he declared. The president wants to calm down and resolve the court cases for the time being.