In this episode of The Other Side, Rimamnde Shawulu takes a deep dive into one of Nigeria’s most pressing and controversial issues: nepotism in governance. Across administrations, Nigerians have raised complaints of favoritism, discrimination, and regional bias in government appointments.
From Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency (2010–2015), through Muhammadu Buhari’s government (2015–2023), to Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s current administration (2023–2025), accusations of nepotism, ethnic loyalty, and patronage politics have continued to dominate the national conversation.
What This Video Covers
• A detailed breakdown of key federal appointments under Jonathan, Buhari, and Tinubu.
• Comparative analysis of how each president managed national institutions such as the Chief of Defence Staff, Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, Customs, EFCC, ICPC, CBN, FIRS, and NNPC.
• Evidence showing where appointments were concentrated and the regions that were marginalized.
• The advantages and dangers of nepotism in fragile democracies like Nigeria.
• Historical parallels: how nepotism eroded trust and caused instability in countries like Syria under Assad and Iraq under Saddam Hussein.
• Why nepotism undermines meritocracy, public trust, and institutional stability, while fuelling corruption, inequality, secessionist agitation, and even violent conflict.
Key Highlights
1. Goodluck Jonathan’s inclusiveness: Jonathan’s government, while not perfect, appointed officials from diverse backgrounds. His administration is widely regarded as more nationally balanced compared to his successors.
2. Muhammadu Buhari’s regional favoritism: Buhari’s government faced accusations of northern dominance. Meetings of the National Security Council were criticized for being almost entirely northern and Hausa-speaking in character.
3. Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Yoruba dominance?: Nearly two years into his presidency, Tinubu’s appointments, especially in the economic team and top security offices, are said to favour the Yoruba Southwest.
4. Nepotism explained: Why leaders in weak institutional environments tend to trust family, clan, or ethnic allies over competence, creating networks of loyalty that perpetuate corruption.
5. Global comparisons: How inclusive systems like the United States allow people of diverse backgrounds—including immigrants and minorities—to rise to leadership, while nepotistic systems stagnate and collapse. Why Nepotism is Dangerous Nepotism is not just about favoritism—it is about resource capture, corruption, and exclusion. When public offices are filled by relatives, friends, or ethnic allies, the nation loses access to talent.
This creates:
• Brain drain, as the best minds seek opportunities abroad.
• Weak institutions, unable to function impartially.
• Public mistrust, fueling unrest and instability.
• Entrenched inequality, as certain groups monopolize state resources.
History proves that nations governed on nepotism collapse into conflict. From Britain’s defeat in America’s War of Independence (due to military patronage) to modern-day Syria and Iraq, nepotism has destroyed states from within.
Why This Matters for Nigeria Nigeria stands at a crossroads. With its vast ethnic and religious diversity, any government that fails to balance inclusion, fairness, and merit risks deepening national divisions.
If nepotism continues unchecked, it could:
• Worsen insecurity in the Middle Belt and Northeast.
• Fuel secessionist calls in the Southeast and Southwest.
• Reduce investor confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.
• Block progress for millions of talented Nigerians excluded by favoritism.
Your Turn
you think Tinubu’s government is more nepotic than Buhari’s? Or was Jonathan truly more inclusive? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Let’s debate the facts, correct the statistics, and discuss how Nigeria can build institutions that reward merit over loyalty.
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