10 recent appointees of Tinubu’s govt—and where they come from

10 recent appointees of Tinubu’s govt—and where they come from 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently faced heavy criticism over his choice of appointments, with many arguing that these appointments favour certain parts of the country over others.

In a recent development, Tribune Online reports that the Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, accused Tinubu of failing to uphold the federal character principle in his political appointments, an action he described as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

He noted that the appointments made so far by Tinubu, who assumed office as president nearly two years ago, do not reflect the country’s diversity as required by law. Ndume referenced Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that appointments should fairly represent the various regions of the federation.

Reacting to the accusation, the Presidency dismissed the claim and described it as hypocritical, divisive, and lacking factual grounding.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency cautioned Ndume against what it described as “headline-chasing” and “rabble-rousing” tactics. 

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According to the statement, Ndume’s comments were misleading and designed to stoke ethnic tension rather than offer constructive criticism.

In light of the criticism, Tribune Online examines ten recent individuals appointed to office by Tinubu and the parts of the country they represent.

Ayo Sotinrin (South West)

The appointment of Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) was announced on April 4, 2025. 

Sotinrin, who previously served as Group Chief Executive Officer of SAO Group, brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors. 

He is credited with pioneering large-scale agricultural projects in Ondo State and leading SAO Capital in securing over $750 million in infrastructure and development financing, including the $200 million Akure Water Supply Project.

Bashir Bayo Ojulari (Kwara State, North-Central)

Tinubu, on April 2, 2025, approved the appointment of Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, replacing Mele Kyari. 

Ojulari, who hails from Kwara State in Nigeria’s North-Central region, previously served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company.

Ahmadu Musa Kida (Borno State, North-East)

Also on April 2, 2025, Tinubu replaced the former NNPC non-executive chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, with Borno-born Ahmadu Musa Kida. 

Kida is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a degree in civil engineering in 1984. He later obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Français du Pétrole (IFP) in Paris.

Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe (Kwara State, North-Central)

The appointment of Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe as the Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for an initial term of four years was announced on March 30, 2025. 

 represented Kwara Central in the 9th National Assembly, holds a Master’s in Coaching and Consultation from the University of Oxford and HEC Paris, as well as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Felix Morka (Delta State, South-South)

Tinubu appointed Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). 

The appointment was announced by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on March 28, 2025.

Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari (Katsina State, North-West)

Tinubu also, on March 28, 2025, approved the appointment of Hon. Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari as the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council. 

The appointment was described as part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector through strategic leadership.

Binta Masi Garba (Adamawa State, North-East)

Senator Binta Masi Garba was named the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council of the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State. 

The appointment of the former senator for Adamawa North and a three-term member of the House of Representatives was announced on March 25, 2025.

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (Kaduna, North-West)

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, was recently appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State. 

The appointment of Bishop Kukah, who is expected to bring his extensive experience and leadership to the institution, was announced on March 17, 2025.

Prof. Fatiu Abiola Arogundade (Lagos, South-West)

Tinubu appointed Prof. Fatiu Abiola Arogundade as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences (FUMMS) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

Prof. Arogundade, a renowned Nigerian nephrologist, previously served as the 7th Registrar of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) in Ijanikin, Lagos State. The appointment took effect on March 11, 2025.

Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega (Kebbi State, North-West)

A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, was appointed by Tinubu on March 7, 2025, as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform. 

The former vice-chancellor of Bayero University’s appointment is targeted at driving progress in the livestock sector and strengthening national development.