Explore the identified power blocs and influential figures in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, often referred to as the ” new cabals ” of Aso Rock .
The Concept of the Cabal in the Tinubu Era
Historically every Nigerian administration has been accused of being under the influence of a small powerful group While President Tinubu has publicly stated I have no cabal or sponsors to compensate citing that his campaign was selfsponsored political analysts suggest that certain individuals hold disproportionate sway over the Renewed Hope agenda These individuals are often seen as the gatekeepers of the Presidency
1 The Institutional Gatekeepers
At the heart of the administrations daily operations are the Institutional Gatekeepers This group is led by the Chief of Staff to the President Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila As the primary intermediary between the President and the rest of the government the Chief of Staffs office determines who gets an audience with the President and which memos reach his desk Critics and insiders alike often point to this office as the most powerful cabal unit as it controls the flow of information and executive access .
2 The Lagos Boys The Trusted Loyalists
President Tinubus long political career in Lagos created a fiercely loyal circle of technocrats and politicians known as the Lagos Boys This group includes figures like the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun Their influence is rooted in decades of shared history and successful governance in Lagos State They are often blamed or credited for the administrations aggressive economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira .
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3 The Family Circle
In many administrations family members naturally form a core part of the inner circle In the current government Seyi Tinubu the Presidents son has been frequently identified by political commentators such as Charles Omole as a highly influential figure While he holds no official government portfolio his presence at highlevel meetings and his perceived role as a bridge for the youth and certain business interests have led many to label him a key member of the informal power structure .
4 The Political Strategic Bloc
This bloc consists of heavyweights who were instrumental in delivering the 2023 election victory A prominent figure often mentioned in this category is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike Despite being from the opposition PDP Wikes influence within the Tinubu cabinet is substantial This group focuses on political survival regional balancing and ensuring that the Presidents political interests are protected across the 36 states .
5 The Regional Power Brokers
To maintain national stability the administration relies on a Northern power bloc often represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF George Akume This group ensures that the interests of the North and other regional zones are integrated into the Presidencies decisions preventing the perception that the government is exclusively a Lagoscentered administration .
Governance vs Influence
It is important to distinguish between cabalistic influence and the traditional roles of a kitchen cabinet While the term cabal carries a negative connotation of secrecy and selfishness supporters of the President argue that these individuals are simply seasoned professionals helping to navigate a complex nation .
The administrations official stance voiced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris remains that the President is his own man The Minister insists that while Tinubu listens to various perspectives all final decisions are made solely in the best interest of Nigeria independent of any shadowy inner circles .
Conclusion
Whether these groups are viewed as a cabal or a strategic team depends largely on political perspective However the identification of these five blocs the Institutional Gatekeepers the Lagos Loyalists the Family Circle the Political Strategists and the Regional Brokers provides a roadmap for understanding how power is distributed and exercised within the current Nigerian government .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should crosscheck updates from official news outlets .