Supporters of former and serving All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders are eagerly advocating for their preferred candidates to fill the forthcoming second round of ministerial positions set to be appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
The struggle for nominations is particularly fierce in Plateau, Adamawa, Zamfara, Kano, and Bauchi states.
APC power players who missed out on the first round of ministerial appointments are now vying to secure a place for their favoured candidates.
In Zamfara state, several former governors and a senator are deeply involved in the contest.
There’s a strong push for Bello Matawalle, a former governor, to be nominated due to his considerable support and past record.
Others advocate for ex-Governor Mahmoud Shinkafi to be recognized for his significant role in the APC’s support network during the previous election campaign.
A party executive, who spoke in confidence with Nigerian Tribune, said that between four and five names were lobbying to get the attention of the President.
He said: “The truth is all the various camps within the party have declared interest in who gets the ministerial slot for the state.”
In Lagos State, local inhabitants are reportedly insisting on a native resident filling the ministerial position, following their loss in the state House of Assembly speakership race.
Lagos, the home state of President Tinubu, was omitted from the initial list of 28 nominees. Wale Edun, a close ally of the president, had his nomination moved to represent Ogun State, creating a potential opening for a Lagos native.
Across Plateau, Adamawa, Gombe, Kano, and Kogi states, internal disagreements and power struggles within the APC are affecting the ministerial selection process.
Disputes range from clashing interests among blocs and contentious re-election bids to disagreements over nominees and regional representation.
As the ministerial nominations continue to unfold, the factions within APC will be keeping a close eye on developments, hoping their preferred candidates will secure a place in the upcoming second batch of President Tinubu’s appointments.
