Controversy As Presidency Speaks On Yoruba Appointments Saga

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, is facing backlash after using a comment by former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani to respond to a criticism made by ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai about President Tinubu.

The situation has sparked widespread reactions, with many questioning Onanuga’s approach and criticizing both him and Sani for their involvement.

GWG.ng reports that El-Rufai had previously responded to allegations of ethnic favoritism made by Farooq Kperogi, a U.S.-based professor of journalism, in President Tinubu’s appointments.

Kperogi, in his article “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC,” accused Tinubu of prioritizing Yoruba individuals for key roles in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). This led to a debate comparing Tinubu’s administration to that of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who was accused of favoring the northern region.

Shehu Sani criticized El-Rufai, accusing him of hypocrisy. In a post, Sani wrote, “There were people who were silent when Buhari was fielding political offices with his kinsmen and have now found their voice to speak out when the equation doesn’t favour them. Let’s not make reference to the nepotism that marginalized Southern Kaduna for eight years. Kaduna was an apartheid state for eight years.”

Onanuga reposted Sani’s comment on his X (formerly Twitter) account, labeling it a “response to El-Rufai’s cheap shot against President Tinubu.” This move drew criticism from various quarters, with many accusing Onanuga of hiding behind Sani’s words instead of addressing El-Rufai directly.

The public outcry includes opinions questioning Onanuga’s past incendiary comments:

M.A.M.A.T.E.E.0.0.1 criticized Shehu Sani’s involvement, stating: “No matter what, daddy, Shehu Sani should not dignify El-Rufai. Where was Sani when El-Rufai worked for APC’s victory? The spirit of democracy should allow criticism and freedom of speech.”

@TimedFrank mocked Onanuga, saying: “Just look at a so-called spokesman hiding behind his fellow man’s comment. Why didn’t you respond to El-Rufai directly? It’s not like you’re a coward, right?”

@SimeonUzo summarized the situation as: “Under APC, nepotism is the best way to run the government.”

@winner961582 defended Tinubu’s appointments, arguing: “Past administrations did the same. Tinubu should ensure his kinsmen are in key positions. It’s the turn of the Yorubas to enjoy as well.”

@adeniji900 remarked sarcastically: “With due respect sir, we should be paying your December salary to Reno Omokri and Shehu Sani.”

@3ppleOlu expressed shock, saying: “So a day has come when an APC spokesperson agrees with a PDP member against a staunch APC chieftain like El-Rufai?”

Others pointed out El-Rufai’s contributions to Tinubu’s election victory:

@UsmanBio asked: “When El-Rufai was running against all odds to ensure Tinubu became APC’s flag bearer, where were you?”

@Ali described Sani as: “An arrogant opportunist who thrives on trends involving comments from Buhari or El-Rufai.”

Amid the heated responses, the controversy highlights growing divisions within the political landscape, with loyalty, criticism, and ethnic representation under intense scrutiny.

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