South East Sidelined: Tinubu’s Appointments Spark Discrimination Outcry
posted 10th April 2025
South East Sidelined: Tinubu’s Appointments Spark Discrimination Outcry
The data of Tinubu’s appointments since 2023 highlights a stark disparity in political appointments under President Tinubu, with the South East receiving only 16 appointments compared to the South West’s 29, prompting accusations of systemic discrimination against the South East.
The South East, predominantly Igbo, is Nigeria’s smallest geopolitical zone by landmass but has a population of over 22 million, larger than the South West’s roughly 20 million, according to 2023 estimates from the National Population Commission.
Despite its larger population, the South East’s fewer appointments reflect a historical pattern of marginalisation, with critics arguing that the region’s political influence has been deliberately curtailed since the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
The South East contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy, particularly through oil and gas reserves in states like Imo and Abia, yet its representation in federal appointments remains disproportionately low, raising questions about equitable resource allocation.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows the South East has a higher literacy rate (over 85%) compared to the South West (around 78%), suggesting a pool of qualified candidates for political roles, further fueling claims of deliberate exclusion.
Political analysts point to the South East’s strong support for opposition parties, such as the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, as a possible reason for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to limit appointments from the region as a form of political punishment.
Historical grievances, including the lack of a South Eastern president since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, continue to stoke feelings of alienation, with groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) citing such disparities as justification for their separatist agenda.
The South West’s higher appointment numbers are often attributed to President Tinubu’s Yoruba heritage, with critics alleging ethnic favouritism, a charge that echoes past administrations where northern leaders were accused of prioritising their regions.
A 2023 Westminster Foundation for Democracy study on Nigerian political parties notes that informal networks and connections often dictate appointments, potentially sidelining South Eastern candidates who lack such ties within the APC’s power structure.
