The Traffic

FG Finally Breaks Silence on ‘Lopsided’ Appointments Allegations

By Achimi Muktar

In the face of rising backlash and social media criticism, the Federal Government has come out swinging — firmly denying accusations of nepotism in the appointments made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Contrary to growing claims that the President has tilted key federal appointments heavily in favor of his South-West region, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) insists that all appointments strictly follow the Federal Character Principle outlined in Nigeria’s constitution.

A statement released Friday in Abuja by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, stated that “no appointment has violated the constitutional mandate of fairness, equity, and national unity.”

“The government categorically refutes claims of lopsidedness and emphasizes its unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness... All appointments are made in strict adherence to Section 14 of the Constitution,” the OSGF declared.

The defense follows a fresh wave of outrage after the Presidency published a breakdown of federal appointments across the six geopolitical zones. According to the list, the North-West region tops the chart with 152 appointees, while the South-West trails with 29, and the South-East ranks lowest with just 16 appointments — a figure that has reignited fierce criticism from Nigerians on and offline.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, was among the first to publicly accuse the administration of violating Section 14(3) of the Constitution. He warned that the skewed appointments could “boomerang” if not addressed.

“The figures are there. I sent you the data. These aren’t just claims... I’m calling the President’s attention to this, because these infractions could have long-term consequences,” Ndume said earlier in the week.

While critics argue that the imbalance is glaring, the OSGF maintains that the President is deeply committed to building a Nigeria where “every region and demographic is represented.” The office also urged Nigerians to dismiss what it called “tendentious and unfounded allegations” and instead seek clarity from official sources.

“Pokers of embers of hate and disunity... should never be taken seriously by Nigerians,” the statement added.

As the Tinubu administration continues to push its “Renewed Hope” agenda, this storm over appointments is a reminder of Nigeria’s deep sensitivities around equity and inclusion. With the next wave of political appointments expected in the coming months, all eyes will be watching — not just the names on the list, but the regions they represent.

For now, the government insists the numbers may look tilted, but the intentions are constitutional — a claim many citizens aren’t buying just yet.