In the heart of the Bola Tinubu Presidency, a new power struggle has emerged, threatening to tear down the house of the ruling party. Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, have formed an alliance that aims to secure their own political futures while potentially sidelining others within the party.
With the 2027 elections in their sights, Gbajabiamila does not foresee Tinubu completing his tenure or having the capacity to run once again due to health concerns. Consequently, he has devised a strategy to ensure that those who might pose a threat to his own ambitions are kept at bay. Ribadu has become an ally in this plan - should Tinubu be unable to continue, Gbajabiamila intends to position Ribadu as his running mate. Alternatively, if power is to return to the North, Gbajabiamila plans to become Ribadu's running mate.
One of their key objectives is to remove Mallam Elrufai from the equation. Elrufai's clearance for a Ministerial position has been put on hold, and it is believed that Gbajabiamila and Ribadu orchestrated this delay to prevent Elrufai from entering the race for the 2027 or 2031 elections.
This plot has caused a significant rift within the APC and the Presidency, particularly among those who vigorously supported Tinubu. Feelings of deep disappointment and anger permeate the ranks of those who were excluded from Ministerial nominations and other political positions. Former allies of Tinubu suddenly find themselves bereft of access to the President, as Gbajabiamila and Ribadu have effectively shut them out of the decision-making process.
In Katsina State, Senator Habu Ibrahim, a close ally of Tinubu, was left off the Ministerial list and no longer enjoys unfettered access to the President. Former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, also suffered a similar fate.
Ekiti State's former Governor, Kayode Fayemi, known for his intellectual contributions to the APC, was also overlooked, along with renegade PDP member Ayo Fayose.
In Lagos State, prominent figures such as Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Abike Dabiri were all snubbed in favor of a relative unknown, Lola Ade-John, who is rumored to be in a relationship with Wale Edun.
Former Governors Chimaraoke Nnamani and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, who had previously switched allegiance from the PDP to support Tinubu, were also left without Ministerial positions.
The list goes on, with Senator Teslim Folarin from Oyo state, Bashir Lado, Kashim Imam, Magnus Abe, and many other long-term allies of Tinubu finding themselves excluded from the inner circle.
As Gbajabiamila and Ribadu ruthlessly continue their political maneuvering, it remains to be seen how long their scheming will last and if their strategies will ultimately pay off.