A concerning political development is currently unfolding in Aso Rock, raising serious questions about the structure and exercise of executive power in Nigeria. Recently, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, inaugurated the 2026 Population Census Committee—a highly sensitive national assignment traditionally overseen by either the President or the Vice President.
However, the absence of Vice President Kashim Shettima at this crucial event, despite being in Abuja, has triggered public concern. Even more surprising was the non-participation of key figures such as the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), both of whom are core members of the President’s inner circle. Their exclusion from such a critical national process signals a troubling deviation from established governance protocols.
At the time of the committee’s inauguration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was on yet another trip to Paris—dubbed a “15-day working visit.” According to the Nigerian Constitution, the President is required to formally transfer power to the Vice President if he remains outside the country for 21 days or more. Although this threshold was not crossed, the continued sidelining of the Vice President from major functions, even in the President’s absence, is raising questions about the true holders of power in the current administration.
The optics of allowing an unelected official like the Chief of Staff to perform duties traditionally reserved for the highest elected offices in the land is deeply troubling. This has fueled speculation about the existence of a “shadow presidency,” where unelected aides such as Gbajabiamila appear to wield disproportionate influence, overshadowing those constitutionally elected to lead.
Regional Imbalance and Questions of Legitimacy
Adding to the controversy is the composition of the newly inaugurated Census Committee. Critics have described it as heavily lopsided, with a clear dominance of members from the South-West region. Here is the list of appointees:
1. Sen. Atiku Bagudu – North West
2. Mallam Nasir Kwarra – North Central
3. Muhammad Isa Idris – North West
4. Wale Edun – South West
5. Zach Adelabu Adedeji – South West
6. Bisoye Coker-Odusote – South West
7. Hakeem Muri-Okunola – South West
8. Mrs. Oyinade Nathan Marsh – South West
This composition has been heavily criticized for lacking representation from the South-South, South-East, and North-East regions—undermining the principles of federal character enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. Given Nigeria’s history of politicized census exercises, such a skewed structure raises legitimate concerns about credibility and fairness in the upcoming 2026 census.
Historical Context and Regional Tensions
Since independence, Nigeria has struggled to conduct a universally accepted population census. The first major controversy occurred during the 1962 census, whose results were rejected, prompting a repeat in 1963. That exercise also ended in dispute and was ultimately annulled—an event that significantly deepened regional mistrust.
Subsequent censuses, including the last one conducted in 2006, have continued to be marred by allegations of manipulation and political interference. The current administration’s approach, especially the regional composition of the 2026 Census Committee, risks repeating these historical mistakes.
Ironically, the same Yoruba political actors who vocally opposed the 1962 census figures on the grounds that the North allegedly inflated its population are now perceived to be orchestrating a similar power play—this time to benefit the South-West.
While some may argue that committee appointments are based on office holders, the optics of excluding entire regions from such a crucial national assignment only fuels suspicion. For a census to be credible, it must be transparent, inclusive, and perceived as legitimate by all Nigerians.
The Broader Implication: A Hidden Agenda?
The disproportionate representation of the South-West in critical national positions under the Tinubu administration is further reinforcing the narrative of ethnic favoritism. This situation, if not urgently corrected, may pave the way for an eventual monopolization of national power, possibly at the expense of other geo-political zones.
The absence of constitutional oversight in allowing unelected officials to assume significant state functions, along with the ethnic imbalance in key committees, paints a worrisome picture. Some commentators argue that this could be a prelude to the realization of the so-called “Oduduwa Republic agenda” or a long-term 2027 political strategy.
A Call for Vigilance and Transparency
As Nigeria prepares for the 2026 census, it is imperative for the government to ensure the process is credible, fair, and reflective of the country’s federal character. Political leaders must learn from past mistakes and avoid actions that deepen division or fuel ethnic mistrust.
Power is transient. As such, those in positions of authority must remember that their actions today will be judged by history tomorrow. With many Nigerians now alert to the socio-political realities of the country, the outcomes of the 2026 census must withstand the test of transparency, equity, and public scrutiny.
The Nigerian people are watching. And they deserve answers.
Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma FCIPDM FWIPÂ
(Zanna Boguma of Borno)
The opinions and views expressed by contributors are solely their own and do not reflect the official stance of Kano Times.
