Politics

Buhari’s Nepotism Was Worse Than Tinubu’s – Shehu Sani

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedApril 18, 2025

Former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has responded to accusations of nepotism against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that the level of nepotism under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government was even worse.

Tinubu has recently faced criticism for his perceived skewed appointments, which many believe favours the South Western region of the country.

Northern politicians, in particular, have voiced their discontent, with Borno South Senator Ali Ndume accusing the president of failing to maintain an inclusive government. According to Ndume, Tinubu’s political appointments disregard the federal character principle.

However, Sani dismissed these accusations, claiming that Buhari’s administration was far more nepotistic. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Sani questioned the nation’s short memory, urging Nigerians to reflect on the nepotism that occurred during Buhari’s time in office.

“It is clear the nation has a very short memory, and then we simply forget what happened the last time Buhari was in power. What was the profile of nepotism at that time?” he asked.

Sani then went on to highlight how many of Buhari’s key appointments were from his home state of Katsina.

He listed several key positions held by individuals from the state during Buhari’s tenure, noting the concentration of power in one region.

“The DG of SSS, Daura was from Katsina state, the DG of NIA, Rufai was from Katsina state, the MPA, my sister Hadiza, she’s from Katsina state, Director of Federal Mortgage Bank, Katsina state, SMEDAN, Katsina state, FRCN Katsina state, NIMET Katsina state, NIMASA Katsina state, Railway Corporation, Katsina state, all those things, you don’t talk of Chairman of federal civil service about 30 (of them) We don’t have time, I can state all of them. All from Katsina state,” he said.

Sani also pointed out that many military and para-military appointments under Buhari were predominantly given to individuals from the northern region.

He listed top positions, such as the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Navy Staff, and Inspector General of Police, all of whom were from the north.

“At a certain time in this country, the Controller General of Immigration, which is Babendede, is from northern Nigeria. Customs, Hamid Ali is from northern Nigeria, Civil Defense, Audi is from northern Nigeria, Chairman of Federal Road Safety Corps is from northern Nigeria. Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba is from northern Nigeria, the Chief of Navy staff, the Chief of Army Staff, they’re all from northern Nigeria. We have had all these things here, and you have never had any person from the south of part of the country raising issues,” Sani argued.

The former senator also suggested that many northern politicians now criticizing Tinubu’s appointments were doing so out of personal grievances with his government, rather than genuine concerns about fairness.

He questioned the credibility of those who remained silent when Buhari’s nepotism benefitted them but now raised their voices because they felt excluded.

“I will appreciate the morality of your position if I can hear your voice when you’re on man from your tribe, from your ethnic group and from your own tribal identity by perpetrating those evil attitude against it. And when you keep quiet when it favored you, and now you speak out when it doesn’t favor you,” Sani said.

He acknowledged that two wrongs do not make a right, but warned President Tinubu to be cautious, urging him not to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor just because Buhari’s government had filled key positions with individuals from the same region.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.