Abdul Ado-Ibrahim, a prominent APC chieftain and traditional ruler from Kogi State, on May 31, 2025, called for President Bola Tinubu to “refresh” his cabinet, arguing that the president is not surrounded by the right advisors to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.
Speaking at a political summit in Lokoja, Ado-Ibrahim praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation, but criticized the implementation, citing persistent inflation and unemployment. He suggested replacing underperforming ministers with technocrats, naming Finance Minister Wale Edun and Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu as needing scrutiny for inconsistent policy outcomes.
Ado-Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, emphasized that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda requires a competent team to deliver on promises like job creation and infrastructure. He pointed to the oil sector’s 400% rig count increase as a reform success but noted public discontent over living costs, with food inflation at 40% in Q1 2025.
The monarch urged Tinubu to prioritize youth inclusion in governance, proposing a 30% cabinet quota for under-40s. His remarks, echoing Rotimi Amaechi’s capacity concerns, have fueled speculation of a cabinet reshuffle, with 2027 elections looming. Supporters on social media hailed Ado-Ibrahim’s candor, while critics accused him of political posturing. Tinubu’s office has not responded, but aides hinted at a performance review by July 2025 to align with the administration’s two-year milestone.