Northern groups have criticised President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of favouring the South-West in appointing heads of security agencies.
They argue that these appointments promote sectionalism and threaten Nigeria’s unity.
The backlash intensified after the recent appointment of Adeola Ajayi as the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), following the swearing-in of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Social media has also been rife with accusations that Tinubu’s appointments are biased towards his kinsmen.
Key figures like Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Lagbaja and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun hail from the South-West.
The Northern Elders Forum, which had supported Tinubu during the 2023 General Elections, expressed regret and hinted at backing a more inclusive candidate in 2027.
Spokesman Abdul-Azeez Suleiman warned that the continuous dominance of one region in key positions could destabilize the country.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s political framework is based on inclusivity, and when one region feels marginalized, it breeds discontent.
Speaking to The Punch, Suleiman called for a more equitable approach to appointments, stressing that neglecting inclusivity risks exacerbating regional tensions and fragmenting the country’s social fabric.
He said there is need for appointments based on competence rather than regional affiliation, aligning with broader calls for transparency and meritocracy.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the appointments, labeling them as an abuse of constitutional provisions.
Through his Special Adviser on Media, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of introducing separatism into Nigeria’s politics.
He argued that after elections, governance should be inclusive, representing all Nigerians regardless of region, religion, or political affiliation.
Atiku further stated that nepotism and bigotry were undermining the Federal Government under Tinubu.
The Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) also warned President Tinubu to cease regionalism in his appointments.
CNG National Coordinator Jimilu Charanci criticized Tinubu for reducing himself to regional politics, undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
Charanci noted that the North played a crucial role in Tinubu’s election victory and warned that northerners could retaliate if Tinubu continues this pattern of appointments.
Similarly, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) expressed disappointment with what it described as lopsided appointments.
NYCN President Isah Abubakar noted that the appointments heavily favoured the South-West, neglecting other regions.
He called for fair representation to promote a united society.
However, a presidential aide defended Tinubu’s decisions, insisting that the appointments were based on competence and merit, not regional bias.
The aide pointed out that two ministers of defense, who are northerners, are also part of the security architecture, and argued that the President’s choices have always been professional and qualified.
“There is a clear spread in the appointments of those in the security architecture,” the aide asserted, defending the President’s actions as balanced and justified.
