EXCLUSIVE: Ministers, aides in panic mode, as Tinubu withholds endorsements

EXCLUSIVE: Ministers, aides in panic mode, as Tinubu withholds endorsements

There is a growing tension in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), following President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all appointees in his administration nursing elective positions should resign before March 31, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

It was also gathered that President Tinubu, unwilling to openly take a stand ahead of the primaries in the states, has fenced off several ministers and top aides who have been lobbying for his “anointing” before resigning to pursue their 2027 political ambitions.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political atmosphere in Abuja, the President, it was gathered, has refused to grant private audiences to the appointees seeking his blessing or endorsement for governorship and legislative positions.

Instead, it was learnt that the President has insisted that any appointee wishing to contest must first test his or her popularity at the grassroots without his endorsement.

The efforts to have a one-on-one meeting with the President, it was learnt, is for the appointees to get a clear nod from the President and avoid potential face-offs with the Governors who are unwilling to be influenced by Abuja connection.

“The President is a veteran of the trenches,” a high-ranking APC chieftain said “He told a group recently that he is not a ‘kingmaker of appointees’ but a President for all. His message is simple: If you think you are popular enough to lead your state, go home, resign and prove it to the delegates.”