Controversy erupts as APC chieftain slams Tinubu over lopsided census committee

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has condemned the recently constituted Tinubu Census Committee, describing it as “one goof, too many” in what he believes is a pattern of nepotism and anti-democratic behavior by President Bola Tinubu.

In a press release issued from Port Harcourt on May 15, 2025, Eze, who was the former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), lambasted the Tinubu Census Committee for failing to reflect Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity. He claimed the committee is heavily skewed in favor of the South West, with no representation from the South-East, South-South, or North-East.

“For a plural and diversified nation like Nigeria, constituting a sensitive national committee such as the Tinubu Census Committee without observing the federal character is not just undemocratic but dangerous,” Eze stated.

The APC chieftain listed the members of the Tinubu Census Committee to show the alleged imbalance, highlighting that out of the eight members, four are from the South West. He further accused President Tinubu of “tribal politicking” and said the President appears more focused on retaining power in 2027 than on unifying and leading the nation.

Eze didn’t stop at the Tinubu Census Committee. He also raised concerns about the treatment of Vice President Kashim Shettima, questioning why Tinubu has never officially transferred power to Shettima during his travels abroad.

“Though I am not a supporter of Shettima, I must say the President has reduced the office of the Vice President to that of a wedding and burial representative. This is sad, unacceptable, and unconstitutional,” Eze said.

He warned that the persistent refusal to empower the Vice President is not only disrespectful but could have broader consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

To reinforce his stance, Eze provided a list of over 70 top federal appointments allegedly dominated by individuals from the South West, all under the current administration. The lengthy list included ministers, heads of key federal agencies, and even military and intelligence leaders—further stoking the fire of perceived regional favoritism.

The APC stalwart asserted that the overwhelming dominance of one region in national affairs undercuts the very essence of the APC, a party he claimed was built on unity, equity, and fairness.

Census Should Be for Nigeria, Not South West

Eze reminded President Tinubu that the Tinubu Census Committee is supposed to serve the entire nation, not one geopolitical zone. He recalled that the last national census was held in 2006, with a recorded population of over 140 million, and emphasized that the upcoming exercise should reflect the diversity of Nigeria to ensure accurate data for national development.