Former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has defended the South West people against criticism over President Bola Tinubu’s controversial appointment patterns.
El-Rufai speaking in an Arise TV interview from 40:43, acknowledged the imbalances in the administration’s appointments but urged Nigerians not to hold an entire region responsible for one person’s actions. “I think that President Tinubu’s appointments are quite imbalanced, but I’m unlike others that think, oh, the appointments are skewed towards the Southwest. Please don’t blame the South West for what one individual is doing; the Yorubas are honorable people,” El-Rufai stated.
The former governor explained a cultural distinction within the Yoruba society, noting: “There’s a difference even in Yoruba land between Omoluabi, a person who is the ideal Yoruba person with morals and character, and an area boy.”
El-Rufai claimed President Tinubu’s appointments reflect personal loyalty rather than regional favoritism. “President Tinubu is appointing his own boys, not because they are Yoruba, but because they are his own boys. And most of the appointments do not even reasonably cover the Southwest,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to direct their concerns toward individuals rather than entire ethnic groups, saying: “People should stop confusing the two; the appointments are not balanced. Yes, definitely right, you cannot argue that, but it’s not a Yoruba thing. Please don’t punish the Yorubas as you have been punishing Northerners for the sins of the military.”
El-Rufai also advised the president to fix this problem ahead of the 2027 election in order for the party to stand a higher chance to win the election. According to him, a lot of Northern leaders are displeased with the moves being made by the current administration.
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