Members of the All Progressives Congress from Yobe South urged President Bola Tinubu on Thursday over what they described as the “total exclusion” of their zone from federal appointments.
In the last two years, the President has constantly come under heavy criticism following allegations that he seems to favour certain regions over others in terms of federal appointments.
Among his critics are Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South), the Northern Elders Forum, and some prominent elites, who argued that his action violated Section 14(3) of Nigeria’s constitution, which mandates that appointments reflect federal character.
A delegation led by a chieftain of the party, Sambo Kakawa, visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja to protest what they called “a glaring imbalance in the distribution of appointments” from the state.
“According to INEC data of 2023, Yobe South is leading with 43% of Yobe State’s total registered votes, with over 617,781 votes out of the total 1,485,141 of the state.
“Despite being an APC stronghold and contributing significantly to the party’s victories in the 2023 election, Yobe South has been entirely excluded from President Tinubu’s appointments.
“In contrast, the minorities in the two zones of Yobe state have received more appointments,” the group said.
Kakawa argued that while Yobe East and Yobe North have produced ministers, directors-general, executive secretaries, and several board members, Yobe South has nothing to show despite being the state’s most populous zone.
“In the game of politics, population and majority votes are key considerations for leaders. We hope President Tinubu will heed the voice of the majority people of Yobe South, recognising their significant contribution to the state’s population and electoral strength, and consider their aspirations for representation in his administration”, Kakawa added.
The stakeholders warned that the continued marginalisation of the zone could affect APC’s fortunes in the 2027 elections.
They also pushed for the appointment of a Yobe South indigene and Director General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Haruna Sardauna, as the next Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, while urging Governor Mai Mala Buni to intervene.
Some State House officials who received the delegation, however, assured them that their grievances would be addressed.
