LIVE UPDATES
If everything goes smoothly, President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce his cabinet members who will be removed from the Federal Executive Council on June 12, as he enters the second half of his first term.
This has created concerns among those who have not excelled in their roles over the past two years.
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are also anxious as they await the new cabinet list and the names of ambassadors-designate.
Sources indicate that the list is prepared and the president will reveal it after the Eid al-Kabir celebrations.
According to unnamed sources, President Tinubu's decision was influenced by the report from his Special Adviser on Policy and Implementation, Hadiza Bala Usman, and his Inner Caucus, which conducted a secret assessment of the ministers based on their policy implementation and political influence.
"The evaluation team, led by Hadiza Bala Usman, has submitted their reports on the performance of the ministers, Special Advisers, and key administration members. The reports have been submitted to the president, who has the final authority on personnel decisions," one source mentioned.
Some ministers have been said to have performed well, while others have been relatively ineffective in both policy and political matters. Those falling short of expectations are likely to be dismissed.
"It is expected that after the celebrations, the president may make changes to the cabinet by or before June 12, Democracy Day," the source noted.
"Some ministers have been disengaged, accomplishing little politically. The president is trying to act on the recommendations from the evaluation led by Hadiza Bala Usman.
She submitted her findings along with those from his inner group, which have also assessed the ministers. The president will compare both reports as he considers changes," the source continued. There has been speculation that some ministers have started promoting their perceived achievements in media as a way to secure their positions.
According to reports, some ministers have been unproductive. One source mentioned that the Minister of the Digital Economy initially performed well but has recently improved again.
Nyesom Wike's performance, on the other hand, has received praise. The president reportedly feels positive about Wike’s contributions. "Others are seen as average, and it is almost certain three or four ministers will need to leave," the source added.
It has been suggested that while some in the inner circle advocate for a complete overhaul, the president is also considering the upcoming 2027 elections in his decisions.
The president is reportedly aiming to address concerns regarding marginalization from the North while carefully considering the political landscape.
The list of ambassadors may also be released at the end of his visit to Lagos, with some names being added or excluded. One name removed from consideration was a former governor from the Southwest due to concerns about associations with the opposition regarding 2027 coalition efforts.
Members of the APC are experiencing suspense and anticipation regarding the reshuffling of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). There was an expectation that changes would happen by May 29, which marked the second anniversary of the current administration.
However, this reshuffling appears to be delayed. A source from the presidency revealed that the envisioned cabinet reshuffle aimed at preparing for the 2027 elections has been postponed.
The previous year, there was a minor reshuffle that resulted in the removal of five ministers, including those responsible for Humanitarian Affairs, Women’s Affairs, and Youth Affairs, along with some transfers and upgrades within the cabinet. Observing the situation, a source indicated that several party members are eagerly waiting for a reshuffle that could help bolster the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's prospects for re-election in 2027.
The source noted ongoing difficulties with delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda policies due to some ministers not meeting performance expectations. For example, there has been no progress in the security sector under the current Ministers of Defence and Service Chiefs. "Many party members expected the president to remove ineffective members from the cabinet," he added.
The ministers successfully delivering results are reported to be those in charge of FCT, Works, Aviation, and Interior. "If you exclude these ministers, the cabinet appears weak," the source observed. Additionally, the delay in inaugurating various governing boards that were constituted in January is a concern. Key boards like FAAN and NYSC have still not been operationalized.
In conversation with an APC National Secretariat member, disappointment was expressed regarding the party's progress.
The party chieftain urged the president to reorganize his cabinet with individuals capable of aiding him in winning re-election, cautioning against underestimating rivals for 2027.
"What party leaders perceive is in sharp contrast to the sentiments of the populace, who ultimately decide election outcomes through their votes."
