Three governors, ministers in race for Buhari’s cabinet

Ahead of the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office, the race for cabinet appointments has begun.

A former Military Administrator, three outgoing governors and 15 ministers are jostling for cabinet seats.

There were indications last night that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) may be zoned to the  North-Central in favour of a Christian candidate.

Besides, there is pressure on the President to revert to a 42-man cabinet structure as part of his pledge of inclusiveness.


The new structure will include the constitutionally recommended 36 ministers from each state of the federation and six others representing each of the nation’s geopolitical zones — if Buhari embraces the idea.

The President is yet to give a commitment on the 42-man structure, The Nation has learnt.

Lobbyists, including governors and ministers, have been mounting pressure on influential citizens to put in a word for them.

Women are said to be demanding more ministerial jobs, including “strategic ministries”.

The pressure is said to have accounted for the recommendation of a 42-man cabinet.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Some of those seeking to be ministers include a former Military Administrator, three of the outgoing governors and no fewer than 15 of the over 30 ministers who will complete their tenure on May 22.

“As for the three outgoing governors, two may represent their geopolitical zones, depending on the outcome of consultations between the President and leaders from their zones.”

“No fewer than 15 ministers are said to be seeking a second chance because “some of them who faltered in office are claiming that they have learnt their lessons”.

“All these ministerial aspirants have been  mounting pressure on the members of the Kitchen Cabinet of the President in order to be picked.”

Concerning the ex-MILAD, another source said: “Some forces within the first family are lobbying that the ex-Military Administrator should be made the Chief of Staff but the President seems to have confidence in the present holder, Mallam Abba Kyari. When the lobbying was stuck, they made a case for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for the former MILAD. Now, the game has changed to a desire for a ministerial appointment.