corridors of power

Nigeria: Team Tinubu, meet the incoming powerbrokers

By Eniola Akinkuotu

Premium badge Reserved for subscribers

Posted on March 10, 2023 13:29

Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared winner in Nigeria’s presidential election
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari receives Nigeria’s newly declared winner of 2023 presidential election, Bola Tinubu and Vice President-Elect Senator Kashim Shettima in Daura, Nigeria, March 1, 2023. Nigeria’s Presidency/Handout via REUTERS

Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress will be inaugurated as president and vice-president in the morning of 29 May at the Eagle Square in Abuja barring any unforeseen circumstances. However, which personalities will be the powers behind the throne? We profile the top dozen.

It is a common belief in Nigeria that political office holders are nothing but tenants in the corridors of power. This has proven true with every administration, with each president having a close circle of people who wield enormous power and influence, even more than some constitutionally-recognised officials.

So who will be behind the scenes in the Tinubu administration? We profile the top influencers in Team Tinubu, from Bisi Akande to Wale Edun to Gboyega Oyetola :

There's more to this story

Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.

Subscribe Now

cancel anytime

More Nigeria Elections

rwanda redux

Premium badgePaul Kagame: ‘The problem is not between me and Tshisekedi’ The Rwandan president answers questions on the tensions with DRC, his probable fourth term, the recent spate of coups, and his dissatisfaction with th...
© Noureddin Bongo Valentin, the eldest son of Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimb, speaks as he attends the Gabon Marathon in Libreville on December 1, 2019. AFP

Gabon: Son of ousted president held in treason, graft case Noureddin Bongo Valentin and some allies face a range of charges including misappropriation of public funds and drug trafficking.
Italians evacuated from Niger arrive at Ciampino Airport, near Rome

Cut off

Premium badgeNiger still isolated after airports reopening Air France, Turkish Airlines and pan-African airline Asky have not returned to Niamey, despite the reopening of Niger’s skies to commercial flights ea...
Sima Gabon Gabon’s transitional Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima in Libreville, 10 September 2023 ©AFP

two year deadline

Premium badgeGabon’s new Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima: ‘I hesitated’ Heading Gabon’s new government, ex-opposition member Raymond Ndong Sima has taken up his post as prime minister of the transition.