Tinubu faces fresh accusations of tribal bias over Disu’s appointment as acting IGP

PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing renewed accusations of tribal favouritism of the Yoruba people of the South-West Nigeria following the appointment of Tunji Disu as acting inspector-general of police, a move that has stirred political debate and sharpened concerns about ethnic balancing in federal appointments.

Disu’s elevation came after the resignation of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, paving the way for a new leadership direction in the Nigeria Police Force. While the presidency described the appointment as a decision based on merit, competence, and track record, critics argue it reinforces a pattern they claim tilts disproportionately toward the South-West region.

The controversy is not occurring in isolation. Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly faced scrutiny over the regional composition of key security, economic, and strategic appointments. Opposition figures and civil society groups have questioned whether the administration has adhered to the federal character principle enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, which mandates equitable representation of the country’s diverse ethnic and regional groups in public service.

Disu, a former commissioner of police in Lagos and later assistant inspector-general, is widely regarded within policing circles as a seasoned officer with experience in intelligence and operations. Supporters of his appointment point to his tenure in Lagos and his leadership roles in anti-crime initiatives as evidence of his suitability for the role. They argue that competence should outweigh ethnic considerations in security leadership, especially at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and separatist tensions in the South-East.

READ ALSO: Mba, Gumel, Hamzat, 5 others set for retirement as Disu takes over as acting IGP

However, critics maintain that perception matters in a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria. Several political commentators have noted that the president, himself a prominent South-West political figure, has appointed individuals from his region to several high-profile positions, fueling accusations of consolidation of power within a narrow ethnic bloc. For them, Disu’s appointment appears to deepen concerns about imbalance at the highest levels of governance.

“This is Buhari 2.0,” said an Abuja-based political expert, Mr Muhammadu Sanusi. “Tinubu is just trying to be a typical Nigerian, who sees his tribe above every other consideration.”

Federal character

The debate intensified on social media platforms shortly after the announcement, with hashtags referencing ‘federal character’ and ‘ethnic balancing’ trending for hours. Some northern political stakeholders reportedly expressed disappointment, arguing that given the security challenges in their region, appointing a police chief from the North might have sent a stronger signal of inclusion and sensitivity.

Presidential aides have rejected claims of tribalism, insisting that Tinubu’s decisions are guided by national interest. A senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, argued that Disu’s professional record and reform-minded approach to policing were central to his selection. According to the official, the president’s overriding priority is strengthening security institutions rather than appeasing regional sentiments.

The appointment also comes at a politically sensitive time. With economic reforms generating mixed reactions and security remaining a dominant public concern, Tinubu’s administration is under pressure to demonstrate inclusive governance. Analysts note that beyond the substance of appointments, symbolism plays a powerful role in shaping public perception in Nigeria’s diverse polity.

Historically, leadership transitions within the Nigeria Police Force have often sparked debates about regional equity. Successive administrations have had to balance merit-based selection with geopolitical considerations, a delicate task in a federation with deep-seated ethnic identities. Observers say that while competence is essential, political optics cannot be ignored.

Disu himself has not publicly addressed the controversy. In his brief acceptance remarks, he pledged loyalty to the constitution and vowed to intensify efforts to combat crime nationwide. He emphasised collaboration with other security agencies and community engagement as pillars of his approach.

“Most importantly again, the country is facing a particular problem now; the issue of banditry, insurgency. I know all police officers around have been doing their best, they are hardworking people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make everything better,” he said on Wednesday.

READ ALSO: Tinubu finally accepts Egbetokun’s resignation, appoints Disu as acting IGP

For Tinubu, the challenge may extend beyond defending a single appointment. The broader narrative of inclusivity could shape public trust in his leadership over the coming years. Political opponents are likely to continue highlighting patterns they perceive as favouritism, while supporters will argue that the president is assembling a team he trusts to deliver results.

“He engages the people he trusts. If they are dominant in one region, then that’s a happenstance,” one of President Tinubu’s allies told Economy Post.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of Disu’s tenure may determine whether the debate subsides or intensifies. If measurable improvements in security follow his appointment, critics may find it harder to sustain allegations of bias. Conversely, if insecurity persists, the controversy could become another flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing conversation about equity, representation, and national unity.

Non-Yoruba DIGs

While Disu is an efficient officer, critics say there are other non-Yorubas, who are Disu’s seniors and have demonstrated capacity.

“A typical example is DIG Frank Mba, ewho has been a spokesman of the police 3 times,” said Professor of Strategic Studies, Andre Iregbu. “There is DIG Muhammed Gumel, who has shown capacity in the Force Intelligence Department. There is a guy, DIG Bzigu Kwazhi, who heads the Operations Department. But, you know, Tinubu keeps doing what he wants because we do not have a functional National Assembly, or do I say, a non-partisan National Assembly.”

Tinubu’s economic appointments

Tinubu is also accused of handing critical economic positions to his South-West region. One analyst mentioned some of the strategic economic positions held by the region.

“Most of the key economic positions in Nigeria are held by people from the South-West region, especially Lagosians or those worked with him while he was Lagos governor,” said a political analyst and professor, Sam Atse.

READ ALSO: Police Intimidation: Tinubu sacks Solomon Arase after ICIR petition, Economy Post story

“Think of minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, CBN governor, NNPC GMD, chairman of Nigerian Revenue Service, ministers of digital economy, solid minerals, marine and blue economy, power, Customs DG, Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprises, chairman of PenCom, DG of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, MD of Nigerian Railway Corporation, head of the FCCPC, and so on.

“This is unfair to other regions. We must not keep repeating the ugly mistakes of President Buhari or previous presidents. We can’t have real unity when one region that produces the president takes it all: President, chief of staff, head of juduciary, CBN governor, NNPC GMD, minister of finance, and so on.”