When Mike Ozekhome, Senior Advocate of Nigeria stepped up to the podium at a human‑rights symposiumAbuja on December 11, 2024, he pointed a finger squarely at former President Muhammadu Buhari for what he called the template of ethnic patronage now being copied by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The claim, made under the banner of the International Human Rights Commission, sparked a heated debate about who really sets the tone for Nigeria’s "Yorubanisation" or "northernisation" of key posts.
Why the Debate Matters
At its core, the argument is about representation in a country that boasts more than 300 ethnic groups and 521 languages. Ozekhome reminded the audience that Nigerian politics is often reduced to a "tripod" of the Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa‑Fula blocs, a simplification that fuels resentment across the nation. "When I hear northerners complain about Tinubu's 'Yorubanisation', I ask: where were you when Buhari literally 'northernised' every position for eight years?" he asked, his tone mixing sarcasm with an uneasy truth.
From 'Northernisation' to 'Yorubanisation'
During Buhari’s 2015‑2023 tenure, several watchdogs noted a surge in appointments that favoured northern states or candidates identified as Muslim. Critics argued that this skewed the civil service and defence ministries, leaving southern and minority voices under‑represented. Ozekhome asserted that the pattern created a "dangerous precedent" that Tinubu, a Yoruba from Lagos, appears to be continuing, albeit with a shift in ethnic focus.
"It's not that Tinubu is picking friends; it's that the system he inherited rewards loyalty to ethnicity over merit," said Ozekhome, citing that more than 60 percent of the cabinet announced in August 2024 were Yoruba‑origin, according to an independent tally by the Center for Democratic Governance.
Minister Yilwatda’s Call for Unity
Joining the discussion, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development tried to steer the conversation away from ethnic blame. "I have no reason to discuss ethnicity and religion; I have benefited from Nigeria's multi‑ethnic character," he said, referencing a recent incident in Bauchi where Christian and Muslim parents stood side‑by‑side during the Maitanasene riot to protect their children.
The minister added that President Tinubu instructed him to "give a human face to the ongoing reforms," a directive he interprets as an appeal for inclusive policy, not exclusive patronage. Yet his remarks were met with skeptical nods, as many observers noted that rhetoric alone cannot offset deep‑seated perceptions of favoritism.
Implications for Governance
Experts warn that persistent ethnic balancing acts can erode institutional competence. Dr. Amina Yusuf, a political scientist at the University of Lagos, highlighted that when appointments become a numbers game, merit‑based promotion suffers. "We are seeing a rise in bureaucratic delays and policy fragmentation," she said, pointing to a 12‑month backlog in the Ministry of Health's procurement process that began after the latest cabinet reshuffle.
Moreover, the perception of bias fuels regional protests. In early September 2024, youths in Kano staged a peaceful demonstration demanding greater representation, citing the same pattern Ozekhome described. The protests, while limited in size, underscore a volatile undercurrent that could flare into larger unrest if unaddressed.
What Comes Next?
With the next round of senior appointments scheduled for early 2025, civil society groups are lobbying for a transparent selection criteria that weighs experience over ethnic affiliation. The Nigerian Senate’s Committee on Public Service is expected to hold hearings in February 2025, where Ozekhome has pledged to testify.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu remains tight‑lipped about any shift in strategy, though his spokesman hinted at a "new merit‑based initiative" to be unveiled later this year. Whether that will satisfy critics like Ozekhome or merely serve as a win‑win for the President’s political calculations remains to be seen.
Historical Perspective
Ethnic patronage is not new in Nigeria. The first republic saw Northern dominance in the federal bureaucracy, while the second republic under Shehu Shagari attempted a more balanced approach, only to be upended by the 1983 military coup. The return to civilian rule in 1999 brought the "zoning" system, an informal arrangement designed to rotate the presidency among the three major regions. Yet each cycle has inevitably spawned its own version of "tribalisation," whether it be the Igbo‑dominated appointments under President Olusegun Obasanjo or the northern tilt under Buhari.
What distinguishes the current debate is the speed at which social media amplifies every appointment. A single tweet about a new minister’s ethnic background can trend within minutes, shaping public opinion before the official list is even published.
- 300+ ethnic groups, 521 languages
- 60% of Tinubu’s cabinet (as of Aug 2024) identified as Yoruba
- Buhari’s tenure saw ~55% of senior posts filled by northern candidates
- Human rights symposium held Dec 11, 2024, Abuja
- Senate hearings on appointment reforms slated for Feb 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the alleged "Yorubanisation" affect southern Nigeria?
Southern states worry that a disproportionate share of ministries, especially finance and interior, will be controlled by officials with close ties to Lagos. This could skew resource allocation toward projects that favour the Yoruba heartland, marginalising minority groups in the Niger Delta and the southeast.
What led to the accusation of "northernisation" during Buhari’s rule?
Analysts point to a pattern where senior military, intelligence and infrastructure posts were filled predominantly by officers and technocrats from northern states. The practice was seen as a way to secure political loyalty and to balance previous southern dominance.
Who are the main voices calling for merit‑based appointments?
Civil society groups such as the Center for Democratic Governance, as well as academics like Dr. Amina Yusuf, have been vocal. They argue that transparent criteria, independent vetting panels, and periodic performance reviews would reduce ethnic bias.
What steps is the government taking to address these concerns?
The President’s office has promised a "new merit‑based initiative" slated for later 2024, while the Senate’s Public Service Committee plans hearings on appointment reforms in February 2025. No concrete legislation has been introduced yet.
Will the ethnic debate influence the upcoming 2027 elections?
Political analysts say that ethnic identity will remain a key mobilising factor. Candidates who can credibly claim inclusive governance may gain an edge, while those perceived as favouring their own group could face protests and reduced voter turnout.
The blame game is just another distraction, a way to shift focus from the real issue of patronage that has plagued every administration-Buhari, Tinubu, even the earlier civilian heads. Ozekhome’s rant sounds more like a personal vendetta than a constructive critique; it overlooks the systemic nature of ethnic balancing. By pointing fingers at Buhari, he ignores the fact that the same machinery is still in place, simply rebranded. The pattern of rewarding loyalty over competence has been evident in countless ministries, from defence to health. This isn’t a new phenomenon; it’s a relentless cycle that persists regardless of who sits in the oval office. The rhetoric about "Yorubanisation" is just an echo of the old "Northernisation" chant, both serving the same divisive narrative. While the symposium tries to portray a neutral platform, the underlying tone reeks of political opportunism. The public deserves more than scapegoating; they deserve accountability and transparent criteria for appointments. If we keep recycling blame, the civil service will remain crippled, and the nation will continue to suffer. The real question is: when will the power brokers finally prioritize merit?