El-Rufai accuses Tinubu of favouritism, says he's appointing "his own boys"

Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna governor, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s pattern of political appointments, accusing him of favouring his close associates from Lagos.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai argued that Tinubu’s choices were not based on ethnic considerations but personal loyalty.

“The president’s appointments are not being made because the appointees are Yoruba, but because they are his own boys. Most of the appointments do not even reasonably cover the South-West,” he said.

El-Rufai dismissed claims that Tinubu’s appointments reflect regional or ethnic favoritism, instead urging Nigerians to focus on holding individuals accountable rather than generalising blame.

“So people should stop confusing the truth. The appointments are not balanced. Yes, definitely, definitely, right? You cannot argue that, but it’s not a Yoruba thing. Please don’t punish the Yorubas as you have been punishing northerners for the sins of the military,” he added.

He also urged Tinubu to address the growing discontent, particularly in northern Nigeria.

“President Tinubu needs to do something about that. It’s still not too late. He can correct it, but there is palpable anger in the north.”

Taofeek Oyedokun

Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.