Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution and fairness in his federal appointments, warning against ethnic favoritism that has long plagued African leadership.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the rights activist and political commentator highlighted a recurring issue in African governance — the tendency of leaders to populate critical positions with individuals from their ethnic background.
“President Asiwaju should be very careful not to repeat the mistake common in African politics,” Sani stated. “Whenever someone assumes power, they often turn public office into ethnic territory. It must not be seen as a conquest, but a platform to serve the nation as a whole.”
Criticism over perceived lopsided appointments has trailed the Tinubu administration, with several Nigerians — including members of his own All Progressives Congress (APC) — questioning the ethnic composition of key appointments.
Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South had earlier accused the administration of undermining the federal character principle, warning of potential backlash if the trend continues. In response, Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga dismissed Ndume’s claims as “hypocritical” and “misinformed.”
Sani, in his commentary, also took aim at political actors who, he claimed, only raise their voices against ethnic imbalance when not in power. “I will respect your position when you also speak out against the same injustice when your own people are in charge. Selective outrage only reveals deeper motives,” he asserted.
His remarks have further fueled a national conversation on inclusion, fairness, and merit in public appointments, as Nigerians continue to scrutinize the direction of Tinubu’s leadership.
