Presidency Responds: Tinubu Not Favoring Yorubaland in His Administration
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The statement "Tinubu not Yorubanizing Nigeria" has become one of the most searched and discussed phrases in Nigerian political discourse this week. In a compelling rebuttal, the presidency responded to renewed allegations of ethnic favoritism under President Bola Tinubu, specifically those claiming he is giving preferential treatment to Yorubaland. Presidential aide Daniel Bwala emphatically dismissed these claims in a widely viewed Channels TV interview, asserting that the administration strictly adheres to federal character principles and continues to include Northerners and other regions in key roles. As ethnic harmony remains a sensitive subject in the country's diverse political landscape, this development underscores both the importance of perception and the power of narrative in national unity debates.
1. The Emergence of the “Tinubu Not Yorubanizing Nigeria” Claim
Allegations that President Tinubu is favoring Yorubaland have resurfaced, sparked by comments from former SGF Babachir Lawal and NNPP candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, who accused the administration of sidelining the North in infrastructure development and appointments. These accusations quickly gained traction across social media platforms, raising concerns over regional marginalisation in national governance
2. The Presidency Responds: Daniel Bwala’s Clarification
In response, Daniel Bwala—Special Adviser on Policy Communication—delivered a clear message: Tinubu not Yorubanizing Nigeria. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, he stated the claim is "baseless" and not supported by facts. He invoked the federal character principle and cited the significant representation of Northerners and other ethnic groups in Tinubu’s cabinet as evidence of inclusive governance
Here are Bwala’s key points:
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He dismissed Lawal’s statements as personal grievances masked as national concern.
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He emphasized that President Tinubu has maintained a balance reflective of Nigeria’s diversity.
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He reminded viewers that the previous administration hailed from the North, reinforcing that current critiques must consider context.
3. Understanding the Federal Character Principle
The federal character principle is a constitutional structure intended to ensure equitable representation of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups in public service and governance. Bwala’s assertion that Tinubu complies with this principle places the focus on institutional accountability rather than partisan or regional favoritism.
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4. Why the “Tinubu Not Yorubanizing Nigeria” Message Matters
This rebuttal resonates on multiple levels:
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National Unity: Ethnic tensions remain a fault line in Nigeria’s political climate. A clear response is vital to maintain national cohesion.
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Political Narrative: Opposition criticism can fuel regional divides—even if intended as political rhetoric. The presidency’s messaging counters such effects.
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Public Confidence: As the 2027 elections loom, ensuring citizens across regions believe in their inclusion is fundamental to democratic legitimacy.
5. Social Media and Public Reactions
The phrase Tinubu not Yorubanizing Nigeria has become a trending topic on Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram:
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Some users praised the presidency for clarifying narrative and curbing misinformation.
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Others remain skeptical, citing perceived discrepancies in project distribution.
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Political influencers and analysts weighed in, debating whether symbolic representation alone is enough to satisfy the principle of federal character.
Hashtags like #TinubuNotYorubanizing, #FederalCharacter, and #DanielBwalaInterview are trending alongside.
6. A Broader View: Ethnicity and Governance in Nigeria
This episode forms part of a broader debate about ethnicity in governance. Questions around regional voting blocs, allocation of resources, and political favoritism have famously defined several election cycles. By targeting the Tinubu not Yorubanizing Nigeria narrative, the presidency seeks to redirect focus onto inclusive governance
7. Implications and What Comes Next
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Political Strategy: Clear messaging around inclusivity helps neutralise ethnic-driven political attacks.
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Public Trust: Reinforcing equitable governance can strengthen citizens’ trust ahead of elections.
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Policy Scrutiny: Citizens and watchdogs may now focus more on the quality and equity of governance rather than mere representation.
Conclusion
The phrase Tinubu not Yorubanizing Nigeria has evolved from an assertion to a rallying point for discussions on regional balance, federal character compliance, and inclusive governance. With Daniel Bwala’s statement cutting through political noise, the presidency reaffirms its commitment to a Nigeria where every region sees itself reflected in leadership. As the country positions itself for future electoral contests, ensuring both perception and reality align remains critical.
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