Members of the All Progressives Congress from Yobe South cried out to President Bola Tinubu on Thursday over what they described as the “total exclusion” of their zone from federal appointments.
A delegation led by Hon. Sambo Kakawa stormed the Presidential Villa in Abuja to protest what they called a glaring imbalance in the distribution of appointments from the state.
“According to INEC data of 2023, Yobe South is leading with 43% of Yobe State’s total registered votes, with over 617,781 votes out of the total 1,485,141 of the state.
“Despite being an APC stronghold and contributing significantly to the party’s victories in the 2023 election, Yobe South has been entirely excluded from President Tinubu’s appointments.
“In contrast, the minorities in the two zones of Yobe state have received more appointments,” the group said.
Kakawa argued that Yobe East and Yobe North have produced ministers, directors-general, executive secretaries and several board members. Yobe South has nothing to show despite being the state’s most populous zone.
“In politics, population and majority votes are key considerations for leaders. We hope President Tinubu will heed the voice of the majority of people of Yobe South, recognising their significant contribution to the state’s population and electoral strength, and consider their aspirations for representation in his administration,” he added.
The stakeholders warned that the continued marginalisation of the zone could affect APC’s fortunes in the 2027 elections.
They also pushed for appointing Haruna Sardauna, a Yobe South indigene and Director General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, as the next Minister of Humanitarian Affairs while urging Governor Mai Mala Buni to intervene.
However, some State House officials who received the delegation assured them that their grievances would be addressed.
In the last two years, the president has constantly been criticised following allegations that he favours certain regions over others regarding federal appointments.
Among his critics are Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South), Northern Elders Forum and some prominent elites, who argued that his action violated Section 14(3) of Nigeria’s constitution, which mandates that appointments reflect federal character.
