There have been numerous reports indicating that several ministers, along with their political godfathers, have intensified their lobbying efforts to remain part of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet as rumors of a potential reshuffle circulate. The presidency confirmed on Wednesday that President Tinubu is indeed planning a major cabinet reshuffle in the coming days.
In light of this, some presidential aides, speaking to The Punch, disclosed that many of the ministers who fear they may lose their positions are making frantic efforts to curry favor and remain in the President’s good graces. This has led to a surge in lobbying activity involving influential political figures attempting to intervene on their behalf.
“It’s a typical scenario. Ministers are calling on their godfathers to influence the President's decision-making. It’s a standard occurrence in Nigerian politics, but the President will ultimately decide based on what he feels is best for the country,” said one of the aides.
Sources further indicated that some ministers, worried about being dropped from the federal cabinet, have been engaging in intense lobbying efforts. Their godfathers have been working behind the scenes to secure their protégés' positions by seeking the intervention of key members of President Tinubu’s inner circle, including the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
According to another senior official, Femi Gbajabiamila is reportedly concerned about the mounting pressure on the President from ministers and political allies who are desperate for assurances regarding their future roles in the Federal Executive Council. As a result of the heightened lobbying, Gbajabiamila is said to have advised the President to leave the country briefly and take some time off in the United Kingdom to avoid the distractions caused by the ongoing cabinet shake-up preparations.
The source added, “Since rumors started circulating about a possible cabinet reshuffle, the President has been under immense pressure from political godfathers and ministers who are anxious about being replaced. To alleviate some of this pressure, the Chief of Staff recommended that the President take a few days off and travel to the UK following the conclusion of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in China two weeks ago.”
“During that period, many Nigerians were unsure of the President’s whereabouts. When photos of his meeting with King Charles surfaced online, speculation arose that he had gone to London for medical checks. However, the reality is that the President was advised to spend some time away from Nigeria to let the pressure and lobbying settle down.”
The source also noted, “It’s common for politicians to lobby on behalf of their allies, but the performance of several ministers has not been up to par, and Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction. Ultimately, the President will likely have to make difficult decisions and let go of non-performing ministers, regardless of their political connections or who their godfathers are.”