Wike, Gbajabiamila, Ribadu, First Lady Named As Key Power Centres In Tinubu Government

A public affairs analyst and author, Charles Omole, has alleged that multiple power blocs are operating within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, claiming that the President himself is at the centre of one of the influential groups.

Omole made the assertion on Thursday while appearing on Politics Today, a current affairs programme, where he expressed concerns about what he described as the existence of at least five distinct cabals within the Presidency. According to him, the situation raises questions about institutional strength and the risk of state capture if proper safeguards are not enforced.

According to Omole, it is natural for any president to have close associates, but governance becomes problematic when informal power structures begin to override formal systems. He argued that, based on his personal assessment, one of the most notable power blocs within the current administration is directly led by President Tinubu.

The analyst further identified a major group within the administration that he said revolves around the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. He explained that this bloc is not limited to the Chief of Staff alone but includes other influential figures such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Omole also claimed that other power centres exist within the government, including one allegedly associated with the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu. He said this group is made up of individuals who reportedly benefitted from Seyi Tinubu’s influence in securing appointments within government circles.

In addition, Omole identified another bloc linked to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which he described as one of the notable groups exerting influence within the administration.

The comments were made days after Omole unveiled his book titled From Soldier to Statesman – The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja. While reflecting on the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Omole alleged that similar power dynamics existed during Buhari’s tenure, claiming that influential individuals around the former president controlled his access to information.

According to him, Buhari’s health management and information flow were allegedly manipulated by a small circle of powerful actors. He stated that although Buhari was known to enjoy reading newspapers, there were claims that specially curated versions were prepared for him, containing only selected stories.

Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was a former military ruler turned civilian leader from Katsina State. He passed away in London on July 13 at the age of 82.