Storm Brewing? Shehu Sani Accuses Tinubu OF Favoritism, Urges Urgent Caution

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has urged President Bola Tinubu to steer clear of nepotism in his political appointments.

This comes amid recent criticism from APC Senator Ali Ndume, who accused the Tinubu administration of violating the federal character principle—a move he warned could have serious long-term implications. In response, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended the administration, accusing Ndume of hypocrisy and misinformation.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Sani expressed concern over the widespread trend among African leaders to appoint individuals predominantly from their ethnic groups upon assuming power. He cautioned Tinubu against following that path.

Sani stated:
“President Asiwaju must tread carefully. This trend of leaders surrounding themselves with people from their ethnic group is common in Africa, but it should not be the case. Leadership is not conquest—it is service. Those in power must see themselves as servants of the people, not tribal champions.”

He also criticized the double standards among some opposition figures, who only raise concerns about biased appointments when they are not the beneficiaries.

“I would respect the moral stance of the opposition more if they also spoke out when one of their own, from their ethnic group, engaged in such lopsided practices. Keeping silent when it favors you and crying foul when it doesn’t only reveals hidden agendas,” he said.