As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s list of ministerial nominees undergoes screening at the Senate, several prominent members of the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and strong Tinubu allies are notably missing from the roster.
Their absence from the list has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions within political circles.
Bayo Onanuga
The Chief Spokesperson to the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, was indeed excluded from the ministerial list sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Senate for screening. Despite his significant role in the campaign and his dedication to the party’s cause, his absence from the list has left many surprised and speculating about the reasons behind his exclusion.
Femi Fani-Kayode
APC chieftain and the outspoken spokesperson for the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), is missing from the ministerial list. Fani-Kayode’s fiery defense of President Tinubu in the face of numerous allegations had earned him significant recognition during the campaign, making his exclusion from the ministerial list a subject of intrigue.
Festus Keyamo
The ex-minister of labour and productivity (State) served as the Chief Spokesperson of the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). His remarkable efforts in defending Tinubu’s candidacy have earned him both praise and criticism. Keyamo’s omission from the ministerial list has left many wondering about the reasons behind his absence.
Kayode Fayemi
The former Ekiti state governor, and a 2023 APC presidential aspirant, who graciously stepped down on the night of the presidential primaries in support of Tinubu, is another notable absentee. Fayemi was appointed as Co-Chairman of the Ekiti State Presidential Campaign Council.
Ben Ayade
The former Cross Rivers governor and a 2023 APC presidential aspirant, is also missing from the ministerial list. After his bid for the presidency fell short, Ayade was appointed as the regional director – south/south for the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Dimeji Bankole
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a 2023 APC presidential aspirant, who gracefully withdrew his candidacy to support Tinubu at the Eagle Square, is another significant figure absent from the ministerial list. Bankole had been widely expected to secure a ministerial position given his longstanding loyalty to Tinubu.
James Faleke
A strong Tinubu ally and a House of Representatives member who served as the Secretary of the APC PCC, is also missing from the list. Faleke’s unwavering dedication to Tinubu and his role in the campaign council had led many to anticipate his inclusion in the ministerial list.
General Abdulrahman Dambazzau
The highly regarded former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, who served as an adviser on Strategic Engagement in the 2023 APC PCC, is surprisingly not included in the ministerial list.
Aminu Bello Masari
The former Katsina governor and a 2023 APC Presidential aspirant, Masari had served as an advisor on Administration and Government and Coordinator for Katsina State in the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Hadiza Bala Usman
Former Nigerian Ports Authority boss, Hadiza Bala Usman served as the Deputy Director General (Administration) in the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Known for her efficiency and organizational skills, her non-inclusion in the ministerial list has raised questions within the party. Although she was appointed as a Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, some observers still expected her to make the list, as individuals such as Dele Alake, Wale Edun, and Hannatu Musa Musawa who were earlier appointed as Special Advisers got ministerial nods.
Nicholas Felix
Held the position of Deputy National Youth Coordinator in the APC Presidential Campaign Council. A key figure in mobilizing and engaging youth support for Tinubu’s candidacy.
Umaru Tanko Al-Makura
Former Nasarawa state governor, Al-Makura lost his bid to return to the Senate to represent Nasarawa South senatorial district.
Babatunde Raji Fashola
Immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Fashola was also the Director of the Election Planning and Monitoring Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. As a one-time Chief of Staff to Tinubu during his tenure as governor, his absence from the ministerial list has raised eyebrows among observers.
Sen. Ibrahim Abdullahi-Gobir
Served as the immediate past Senate Leader for APC from Sokoto, Sen. Ibrahim Abdullahi-Gobir played a crucial role in party affairs and was known for his support for Tinubu’s candidacy.
Sen. Dayo Adeyeye
As the National Coordinator of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), Sen. Dayo Adeyeye toured the South West region seeking support for Tinubu’s candidacy. His non-inclusion in the ministerial list has left supporters questioning the impact of his efforts on the campaign.
As the screening process continues at the Senate, Onanuga’s exclusion, along with other notable Tinubu allies and campaign council members, has become a subject of intense discussion within political circles. Supporters and observers are keenly watching for any updates or explanations from the presidency and the APC leadership regarding the selection criteria and the factors that influenced the final composition of the ministerial list.