A political analyst, Dr Peter Anosike, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over alleged concentration of key appointments within a single ethnic group.
Dr Anosike spoke on Saturday, on the Political Recap programme on Voice of the People 90.3FM, warning that such a “Lagos model” of governance creates a dangerous precedent for the federation.
“The economy, the security, the most important things in the country are in their hands … this is taking what Buhari did to a higher extent,” Dr. Anosike stated.
He further remarked, “I am shocked that he can do this… Tinubu should not make the same mistake that Buhari made because Tinubu has built bridges across the country”.
The remarks add to ongoing debates about inclusiveness in federal appointments.
Dr. Anosike provided a detailed list of key officials, noting that the CBN Governor, Finance Minister, Chairman of the FIRS, Inspector General of Police, and heads of the EFCC and DSS are all from the Southwest.
He argued that this arrangement makes the president’s “City Boy” movement look more like a “financial empowerment” scheme for associates rather than a national government.
Dr Anosike added that this pattern could undermine national unity and create perceptions of imbalance in governance.
According to him, such concentration of power risks deepening regional divisions.
Background
The analyst contrasted Tinubu’s current approach with his previous reputation as a bridge-builder. He warned that while this “mafia soul system” currently controls the “firepower” of the state, it risks inciting other regions.
He specifically cited Sunday Igboho’s recent threats against opposition campaigns in the Southwest as a byproduct of this emboldened ethnic politics.
Analysts say perceptions of imbalance could heighten political tension and affect national cohesion.
They warn that such concerns may shape public discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
Defection politics and “survival strategy”
Mr Anosike also alleged that recent political defections are driven by fear rather than ideology.
He emphasized that the impending defection of Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bala Muhammad, to the ruling APC is a survival tactic to avoid prosecution by the EFCC.
“He is joining APC because he doesn’t want to go to prison… It is survival that is the reason why most of them are joining APC, not that APC has done well,” Dr. Anosike stated during the broadcast.
He further remarked that the APC has become like “the blood of Jesus that washes away sins,” referring to the perception that joining the ruling party grants immunity from corruption probes
The analyst’s comments come amid reports that Governor Muhammad is negotiating a 60/40 power-sharing arrangement with President Bola Tinubu.
Dr. Anosike noted that a state commissioner’s recent arrest for money laundering and terrorism financing has implicated the governor, leaving him under pressure to seek refuge within the ruling party.
Bala Muhammad, a second-term governor whose immunity ends in 2027, is reportedly seeking a senatorial ticket as part of his defection terms.
Dr. Anosike dismissed the significance of the APC gaining more governors, arguing that “100 governors means 100 votes” and that the masses, not political structures, determine the ultimate change in Nigeria.
PDP ‘in ICU’ ahead of 2027
The analyst further declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is no longer a strong opposition force.
“PDP is in the ICU—Intensive Care Unit. Even when Bala Muhammad was there, it was still in the ICU. It is not going to recover until after the 2027 general election,” Dr. Anosike said.
The analyst was responding to news that Governor Bala Muhammad, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, has finalized plans to join the APC.
Dr. Anosike attributed the collapse of the opposition not to the APC’s performance, but to survival politics, claiming that governors are fleeing to the ruling party to avoid EFCC prosecution and prison sentences.
He argued that ongoing defections have weakened the party’s structure and relevance.
Soludo–Obi political tension
Mr Anosike also criticized comments by Mr Charles Soludo regarding the Southeast’s political direction.
He described the remarks as an indirect attack on Mr Peter Obi.
“This frustration is eating deep into him… a common trader in the person of Peter Obi is still far more loved, far more accepted, far more popular than him,” Dr. Peter Anosike said.
He added that Governor Soludo cannot talk for five minutes without putting Peter Obi there… Peter Obi is living rent-free in his head”.
Dr. Anosike was reacting to Governor Soludo’s speech during his swearing-in for a second term, where the governor suggested the Southeast has derailed into a politics of lamentation.
The analyst argued that Soludo’s call for healing is a programmed distraction to prevent the region from rallying behind a presidential candidate.
According to him, Mr Obi’s popularity continues to shape political conversations in the region.
Background
Nigeria’s political space has witnessed increasing tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Issues such as defections, regional representation, and party strength continue to dominate discussions.
Analysts say these developments could significantly influence alliances and voter sentiment in the coming election cycle.
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