In anticipation of a significant cabinet reshuffle, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly urging his ministers to provide updated performance evaluations.
This development comes as various ministers and their political allies ramp up lobbying activities to secure their positions.
On Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed that a cabinet reorganization is imminent. According to presidential aides, some ministers have begun actively seeking to align themselves favorably with the President.
“Such lobbying is expected,” noted one aide. “Ministers often reach out to their political patrons to exert influence. However, the President will ultimately act in the best interest of the nation.”
Sources indicate that anxiety among ministers regarding potential dismissal has led to increased outreach efforts, particularly to influential figures within the administration, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. A senior official revealed that the Chief of Staff has raised concerns about the mounting pressure on Tinubu from those anxious about their future in the cabinet.
“Since news broke about a possible reshuffle, the President has faced considerable pressure from both political mentors and ministers fearing removal,” the source stated. “In light of this, the Chief of Staff suggested the President take a brief respite in the UK following his recent participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.”
Speculation surrounding the President’s absence peaked when photos of him meeting with King Charles surfaced online, prompting rumors about medical appointments. In reality, the President was advised to step back temporarily to allow the political pressure to ease.
While lobbying is common in political circles, many citizens have expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of several ministers. Observers believe that if a minister is underperforming, they will likely be replaced, regardless of their political connections.
It is anticipated that the President may announce the reshuffle around October 1, though this has not been independently verified. During a briefing with journalists, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, along with Senior Special Assistant on Digital/New Media O’Tega Ogra, emphasized that the reshuffle will be informed by performance metrics gathered over recent months.
Onanuga confirmed that the President has conveyed his intent to reorganize his cabinet but did not specify a timeline for the changes. “The President has expressed a desire to make adjustments, but I cannot confirm whether this will occur before October 1,” he said.
He further noted that the President has instructed his ministers to actively communicate the administration’s achievements to the public, addressing perceptions that the government is not performing adequately.
Ogra added that the reshuffle will be guided by data from performance reviews conducted by the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, led by Special Adviser Hadiza Bala-Usman. “The President has indicated that his decisions will be based on empirical evidence,” she stated.
As pressure mounts from within the All Progressives Congress and beyond, indications suggest that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation may be dissolved in the upcoming changes. Reports also hint at potential portfolio reallocations, with some ministers possibly being reassigned or removed from their roles.
Despite earlier warnings about underperformance, the cabinet has remained largely unchanged since Tinubu’s administration began, apart from the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
With an emphasis on performance evaluations, the President initiated a Result and Delivery Unit early in his tenure, tasked with assessing ministerial effectiveness. This unit’s findings are expected to influence forthcoming decisions regarding cabinet appointments.
At a recent cabinet retreat, Tinubu reiterated that only those who meet performance standards will retain their positions, with quarterly reviews established to evaluate ministerial effectiveness.
