Abuja, Nigeria – July 19, 2025
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fired a sharp rebuke at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dismissing his latest federal appointments as hollow attempts to win back support from Northern Nigerians, whom the opposition claims have been sidelined during his administration.
In a press statement issued on Friday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi accused the Tinubu administration of engaging in what he described as “political panic management” rather than genuine power-sharing.
“You cannot marginalise a region for over twenty‑five months and expect applause because you suddenly remembered on the twenty‑sixth month that Nigeria is bigger than Lagos State,” Abdullahi declared.
The opposition’s criticism centers on the perception that Northern representation in influential federal roles has been glaringly low since Tinubu took office. ADC highlighted the ongoing crisis in the region—spanning banditry, farming disruptions, and rural economic decline—blaming perceived federal inaction for worsening disaffection.
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According to the ADC, the recent wave of appointments is little more than “consolation prizes”, devoid of real policy inclusion or structural change.
“Tokenism is not inclusion, and symbolism is not governance,” the party emphasized.
The ADC also urged the administration to abandon what it called “Bourdillon-style appeasement politics”, advocating instead for substantive and equitable reforms, genuine federal character implementation, and inclusive policymaking that addresses Northern grievances.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) swiftly pushed back. Speaking through APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the party accused the ADC of politicising a period of national mourning over former President Buhari’s death. Morka labeled the criticism as “insensitive and unacceptable,” defending Tinubu’s decisions on state burial and appointments.
As Nigeria approaches another critical election cycle, the ADC’s warning underscores growing Northern scepticism and highlights the political urgency around regional inclusion. With events unfolding rapidly, the impact of these appointments—and the backlash—will likely play a key role in shaping both public sentiment and electoral strategies.
