By Okoi Obono-Obla
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement of 42 Nigerians as chairpersons of various Federal Government agencies and parastatals revealed an unprecedented move.
Upon close observation of politics and events, I realized this was a departure from the norm since the All Progressives Congress, APC, took over power in 2015.
The Buhari Era: 2015 – 2023
During former President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency, he avoided appointing members of the National Executive Council and National Working Committee of the APC to his government.
Notably, only a few members were appointed, including Pastor Bachir David Lawal, the then National Vice Chairman for the North East, who became Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.
The Tinubu Administration: 2023 – Present
In contrast, President Tinubu has taken a different approach. He appointed almost the entire members of the National Executive/National Working Committees as chairpersons of federal government agencies and parastatals.
This move marks a significant shift in the APC’s leadership dynamics.
The members of the APC National Executive Committee appointed are as follows:
•Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN;
•H.E. Sulaiman Argungu, Chairman of the National Bulk Electricity Trading Company;
•Barr. Festus Fuanter, Chairman of the National Teachers Training Institute;
•Prof. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Chairman of the National Steel Council;
•Senator Surajudeen Bashiru Ajibola, Chairman of the National Sugar Development Council;
•Dr. Mrs. Mary Alile Idele, Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba;
•Mr. Abdullahi Dayo Israel, Chairman of the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta;
•Nze Chidi Duru, OON, Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre Lokoja;
•Hon. Emma Eneukwu, Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre Owerri;
•Barr. Felix Chukwumenoye Morka, Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa;
•Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute for Educational Planning and Administration;
•Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Chairman of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi;
•Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Chairman of the Teachers Registrations Council of Nigeria;
•Chief D. J. Kekemeke, Chairman of the Nigerian Postal Service;
•Mr. Matthew Uguru Ofoke, Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia;
•Senator Abubakar Maikafi, Chairman of the SHEDA Science and Technology Complex;
•Hajia Zainab A. Ibrahim, Chairman of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe;
•Hon.Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, Chairman of the Federal Teaching Hospital Ode Ekiti;
•Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Chairman of the Industrial Training Fund;
•Hon. Duro Meseko, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute for Road and Building Research; and
•Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute for Science Laboratory Technology.
The appointment of the entire membership of the National Executive and National Working Committees of the APC as chairpersons of federal agencies and parastatals by President Tinubu has, however, sparked intense speculation and permutations about a possible change in the party’s National Executive Committee. This development is particularly significant as a midterm national convention of the APC is likely to take place soon.
Some pundits believe this move might be a strategic attempt by President Tinubu to put his own team in place, considering that the current Executive Committee was inaugurated in 2022 during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
Whether these speculations will come to fruition remains to be seen, and only time will tell.
@Okoi Obono-Obla
