Akande Claims Fashola Excluded from Tinubu's Cabinet

Laolu Akande, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, alleged that powerful individuals within President Bola Tinubu's inner circle are actively working to exclude former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola from the cabinet. Akande made these claims during an appearance on the Naija Unfiltered podcast, published by Symfoni TV.

He suggested that while Fashola's absence may partly stem from personal fatigue, the more significant factor is the resistance from those close to the President, fearing that Fashola's refusal to compromise would disrupt certain practices within the administration. Akande noted that Fashola is known for standing his ground and not compromising his principles.

He did not name the individuals opposing Fashola's inclusion or specify the practices they wish to shield from scrutiny. Neither the Presidency nor Fashola has responded to these allegations.

Despite his absence from government since Tinubu's presidency began in May 2023, Akande maintained that Fashola and Tinubu remain close.