EXCLUSIVE: Finally, Buhari to ask APC governors for nominees

After rumbling and agitation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) hierarchy over the lack of consultation in political appointments, President Muhammadu Buhari may have finally succumbed.

His wife also recently went on air to complain that those who worked for her husband’s election have not been rewarded while those who knew nothing about his victory have been calling the shots.

APC governors met with the president on October 23 as a follow-up to the first lady’s complaints, and TheCable understands that Buhari asked them to formally write to make the request.

Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo state and chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, has sent the request to the president and copied all APC governors.

The letter dated October 26, 2016, and seen by TheCable, is titled “Appointments to Boards of Federal Agencies”.

Okorocha wrote: “Recall the meeting with Progressive Governors of October 23, 2016 on the above subject and the need to take every necessary step to ensure that party stakeholders are carried along as well as equitable distribution.

“Accordingly, Mr. President may wish to expressly request that party stakeholders meet on zonal basis to generate list of recommended nominees for consideration.

“While we await your directive, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.”

A governor, who spoke with TheCable, said it was a “positive development”.

“The good thing is that consultations are now taking place, unlike before that the president would just make appointments without consulting us,” he said.

Buhari had been quoted as saying, before his assumption of office, that since he was not nominating commissioners for governors, he too should be allowed to make his appointments without interference.

There are currently thousands of vacancies in federal political appointments.