President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is quickly becoming known for sudden policy U-turns and last-minute changes in appointments, drawing criticism over what many see as hasty decision-making and weak internal coordination.
From pulling Maryam Shetty’s ministerial nomination while she was already at the Senate for screening, to replacing Muheeba Dankaka as Federal Character Commission (FCC) chair just four hours after her reappointment, these frequent reversals have left Nigerians wondering how much planning goes into the administration’s decisions.
Seven Notable Reversals Under Tinubu
1. Muheeba Dankaka’s Four-Hour Return and Exit
On a Monday morning, Muheeba Dankaka was reappointed FCC chair for another five-year term. By afternoon, the presidency had replaced her with former lawmaker Ayo Omidiran without giving an official explanation. Even the Emir of Ilorin had congratulated her before the news was overturned.
2. Electoral Commissioner Nominations Pulled
On March 18, 2024, the nominations of two INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners—Mohammad Ngoshe (Borno) and Owede Kosioma Eli (Bayelsa)—were withdrawn just days after they were announced. Their positions went to Umar Mukhtar and Johnson Silnikiem respectively.
3. CBN Board Nominee Withdrawn in 48 Hours
Ruby Onwudiwe’s name was sent to the Senate for the CBN board on March 14, 2024. Within two days, her nomination was withdrawn, reportedly due to political party pressure over her affiliations.
4. Maryam Shetty’s Public Disappointment
In August 2023, Maryam Shetty arrived at the Senate, ready for her ministerial screening, only to discover her nomination had been cancelled. Mariya Mahmoud was named in her place, sparking a mix of public sympathy and online mockery.
5. NDDC Board Switch in One Day
On September 2, 2023, less than 24 hours after announcing the board nominees, Cross River’s Asi Okang was replaced by Orok Duke, and Ondo’s Victor Akinjo by Otito Atikase. The reversal came after protests from locals and APC members in both states.
6. FERMA Chair Nomination Dropped
Kashim Imam was announced as chairman of FERMA’s board on October 13, 2023. Within a week, the appointment was quietly withdrawn, with the presidency clarifying that other board appointments remained untouched.
7. Board Dissolution with Exceptions
In June 2023, Tinubu dissolved the boards of all federal agencies, parastatals, and government-owned companies. Hours later, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation announced exemptions for NDLEA and NAFDAC—without any explanation.
