The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to “buy back” political support in Nigeria’s northern region with what it deems “token appointments,” a statement issued on July 19, 2025, by the party’s National Chairman, Ralphs Okey Nwosu.
The criticism follows Tinubu’s recent nomination of several northern figures to mid-level positions in his administration, including the appointment of a new director at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. The ADC argues that these moves fail to address the region’s pressing issues, such as a 40% poverty rate and ongoing insecurity, with over 1,200 deaths reported in banditry attacks this year alone.
The party, which has gained traction as a coalition partner with opposition groups, contends that the appointments, numbering fewer than 10 in a cabinet of 48, lack the strategic depth needed to restore confidence among northern voters, who overwhelmingly supported Tinubu in 2023. Nwosu called for a comprehensive economic plan, including a 20% increase in agricultural funding, rather than what he described as “political handouts.”
The Tinubu administration has yet to respond, but allies defend the appointments as part of a phased integration strategy. The ADC’s stance reflects growing regional discontent, with northern governors hinting at a unified opposition stance ahead of 2027, though analysts question the party’s ability to mobilize effectively.