Seven appointment reversals under Tinubu’s administration

Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly experienced abrupt reversals of key appointments, raising concerns over internal coordination and decision-making protocols.

Below is a concise overview of seven notable cases.

1. Board dissolutions with last-minute exemptions – June 2023

Shortly after announcing the dissolution of all federal parastatal, agency and government-owned company boards, the presidency clarified within hours that certain bodies, including the NDLEA and NAFDAC, were not affected. No official reason was given for the exemption.

2. Maryam Shetty’s ministerial nomination withdrawn – August 2023

In a dramatic twist, Maryam Shetty arrived at the National Assembly for her ministerial screening only to discover her nomination had been withdrawn. Her slot was given to Mariya Mahmoud.

3. NDDC board changes within 24 hours – September 2023

A day after unveiling the composition of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s board, the presidency replaced Cross River’s nominee, Asi Okang, with Orok Duke, and Ondo’s nominee Victor Akinjo with Otito Atikase.  

4. FERMA chair appointment reversed – October 2023

On October 13, the presidency announced the appointment of Kashim Imam as chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency board. Within days, the appointment was quietly withdrawn, while other board appointments were left unchanged.

5. CBN board nominee dropped – March 2024

Ruby Onwudiwe’s name was sent to the Senate for confirmation as a member of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s board. About two days later, her nomination was withdrawn amid concerns reportedly linked to political affiliations.

6. INEC REC nominations withdrawn – March 2025

President Tinubu withdrew the nominations of two Resident Electoral Commissioners, Mohammad Ngoshe for Borno and Owede Kosioma Eli for Bayelsa, just days after forwarding their names to the Senate. Umar Mukhtar was reappointed for Borno, and Johnson Alalibo Silnikiem took the Bayelsa position.

7. FCC reappointment reversed within hours – August 2025

On August 12, Muheeba Dankaka was reappointed as chairperson of the Federal Character Commission for a new five-year term. Less than four hours later, the presidency issued a new statement replacing her with former lawmaker Ayo Omidiran. The reversal caused public confusion, as congratulatory messages to Dankaka had already begun circulating before the change.

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