Dispute Over Agency Leadership Amid Tinubu's Directive

A controversy has emerged regarding the appointment of Abdulrazak Namda as the head of an agency, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive. Nyesom Wike's ally contends that the directive does not hold, asserting that Namda's appointment is erroneous.

Wike, the former governor of River State, reportedly resigned to contest the governorship primary of the APC but withdrew his candidacy shortly before the election on May 21, 2026. Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesman, stated that Namda would remain in office, despite the claims of dual leadership.

Legal interpretations of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act suggest that political appointees must resign to participate in primaries, but do not specify a timeline for resignation. Salman Jawondo, a senior advocate, noted that while the law requires resignation, it does not mandate a specific timeframe, indicating that Namda could remain in his position without immediate resignation.