Bola Tinubu: Meet 16 Member of Campaign Council Rewarded with Ministerial Appointments

In a move that has captured the attention of Nigeria’s political landscape, President Bola Tinubu’s long-awaited ministerial list has been submitted to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation. What sets this list apart is the notable presence of 16 individuals who had been active members of Tinubu’s campaign council during the highly contested presidential elections. 

The campaign council itself was a carefully curated group of individuals who brought diverse skill sets and expertise to the table, tasked with the mammoth challenge of securing victory for Tinubu during the electoral race. As the nation looks forward to the Senate’s deliberations, let us delve into the backgrounds of these nominated individuals and explore the implications of their appointment to crucial ministerial positions.

Nasir El-Rufai

Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, ex-minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and former Director-General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises, played an active role campaigning for Tinubu during the presidential elections. With a strong background in governance and public administration, he holds a Master of Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, a law degree from the University of London, and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Dave Umahi 

Dave Umahi, the former Governor of Ebonyi State and current Senator representing Ebonyi South, has been rewarded with a ministerial appointment as a member of Bola Tinubu’s campaign council. A key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Umahi’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC played a crucial role in securing the state of Ebonyi for the APC in the 2023 general elections. With a background in civil engineering and extensive experience in the legislature, he holds the position of Senate Deputy Majority Leader, making him one of the principal officers of the Senate.

Senator Abubakar Kyari 

Senator Abubakar Kyari, hailing from Borno State, holds the esteemed position of acting national chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Previously serving as the deputy national chairman (North), he assumed the top position on a temporary basis following the resignation of the former chair, Abdullahi Adamu, in July. Educated both in Nigeria and the United States, Kyari’s academic journey took him from Kaduna Capital School to Barewa College Zaria, where he earned his WASSCE in 1979. 

He further pursued higher education in the USA, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee Martin in 1986, and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1989.

Mohammed Badaru 

Mohammed Badaru, is a prominent Nigerian politician and business owner. He served as the governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023. Notably, he chaired the Presidential Committee on Fertilizer and the Presidential Committee on Non-oil Revenue during his tenure. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Mr. Abubakar holds a B.Sc. degree in Accounting. As a member of Bola Tinubu’s campaign council, he has been rewarded with a ministerial appointment, showcasing the President’s recognition of his expertise and contribution to Nigeria’s development.

Senator John Enoh

Senator John Enoh, served as a member of the Cross River State Assembly representing the Etung Constituency from 1999 to 2003, followed by a tenure in the House of Representatives, representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency between 2003 and 2011. During his time in the House, he chaired the committees on finance and appropriation. Subsequently, he became the senator for the Central District of Cross River State from 2015 to 2019. Mr. Enoh transitioned from the PDP to the APC in 2017. For his commitment and contributions, he has been rewarded with a ministerial appointment as part of Bola Tinubu’s campaign council.

Betta Edu 

Betta Edu currently holds the esteemed position of National Women Leader of the APC. Prior to her role in the party, she served as Cross River State Commissioner for Health, where she made significant contributions to the state’s healthcare system. Recognizing her exceptional skills and commitment, President Bola Tinubu rewarded her with a ministerial appointment as part of his campaign council, allowing her to further impact the nation’s development and policies.

Hannatu Musawa

Hannatu Musawa, the current Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment to President Bola Tinubu, is a multifaceted professional. A lawyer, newspaper columnist, and former deputy spokesperson of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Educated abroad, she holds degrees in law from the University of Buckingham, UK, and postgraduate masters degrees in Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff, Wales, as well as Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen. Currently pursuing a part-time doctorate, her outstanding contributions earned her a ministerial appointment as part of Tinubu’s campaign council.

Wale Edun

Wale Edun, a seasoned financial expert with a background in the banking sector, served as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State for two terms during Bola Tinubu’s governorship tenure. His vast experience in finance and governance made him a valuable asset to Tinubu’s campaign council. Apart from his financial acumen, he actively contributes to various social causes, holding positions as Chairman of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame, Chairman of the Livewell Initiative (a health sector NGO), and Trustee of Sisters Unite for Children (an NGO aiding children in need). These outstanding contributions earned him a ministerial appointment as part of the campaign council.

Dele Alake

Dele Alake, the current Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, is a distinguished journalist and political figure from Ekiti State. He previously served as Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State during Tinubu’s tenure as governor (1999-2007). With a background in journalism, he held significant positions, including Editor of the National Concord at Concord Press. As a former vice president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and member of various professional bodies, his expertise and loyalty were recognized with a ministerial appointment as part of Tinubu’s campaign council.

Nyesom Wike

Nyesom Wike is a prominent political figure and lawyer who recently served as the Governor of Rivers State. With an illustrious career, he also held two terms as Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area from 1999 to 2007. Educated at Rivers State University of Science and Technology, he obtained his Bachelor of Law degree before proceeding to the Law School in 1997. For his significant contributions to governance and law, President Bola Tinubu rewarded him with a ministerial appointment as part of the campaign council.

Adebayo Adelabu

Adebayo Adelabu is a distinguished financial expert who previously served as Deputy Governor, Operations, of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Retiring from the position in 2019, he ventured into politics and contested for the governorship of Oyo State as the APC candidate, although the bid was unsuccessful. Recognizing his expertise in the financial sector, President Bola Tinubu rewarded him with a ministerial appointment as part of the campaign council.

Lateef Fagbemi

Lateef Fagbemi, is a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and jurist. With a remarkable career in law, he has made significant contributions to the development of law and justice in Nigeria. Admitted to the bar in 1984, Fagbemi’s expertise and legal acumen have earned him recognition and respect within the legal community. For his remarkable accomplishments, President Bola Tinubu rewarded him with a ministerial appointment as part of the campaign council, where his legal prowess will undoubtedly prove invaluable in shaping Nigeria’s legal landscape.

Dr. Dorris Anitee Uzoka

Dr. Dorris Anitee Uzoka is a notable member of Bola Tinubu’s campaign council, who has been rewarded with a ministerial appointment. With a background in finance and a strong corporate career, she served as the former Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy in Imo State. Additionally, her impressive credentials include being a former General Manager of Zenith Bank Plc. Hailing from Oguta LGA in Imo State, her wealth of experience and expertise in the financial sector makes her a valuable asset to the campaign council, poised to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

Ali Pate

Ali Pate is a distinguished physician and a professor of the Practice of Public Health Leadership at Harvard University. With a stellar career, he served as the former Minister of State for Health in Nigeria and held significant global health roles, including Global Director for Health, Nutrition, and Population at the World Bank Group. 

Hailing from Misau Local Government Area in Bauchi State, he graduated from Ahmadu Bello University’s medical school in Nigeria before gaining experience working in rural hospitals in Gambia. President Bola Tinubu’s campaign council recognized his expertise and contributions, rewarding him with a ministerial appointment to contribute to Nigeria’s health and development agenda.

Stella Okotete

Stella Okotete, a prominent member of Bola Tinubu’s campaign council, has been rewarded with a ministerial appointment. As the former National Women Leader of the APC Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), she played a pivotal role in the party’s affairs. With an impressive background, she served as the Executive Director of Business Development at Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank since 2017 and held significant positions in Delta State, including Special Assistant and Adviser to the Executive Governor on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 

Mrs. Okotete’s educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Diplomacy, a Diploma in Law, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

Uju Kennedy Ohanenye

Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, a successful businesswoman with interests in real estate and education, was a member of Bola Tinubu’s campaign council, rewarded with a ministerial appointment. In 2022, she contested the APC presidential primary but later withdrew from the race, showing her commitment to party unity. She subsequently played a crucial role in mobilizing support for President Tinubu, showcasing her dedication to the party’s agenda and national progress.