BREAKING: Wike, El-Rufai, Oyetola make Tinubu’s ministerial nominees ( Full list)

This morning, it was revealed that former Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, and renowned medical scholar Ali Pate are among the ministerial nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The list also includes legal luminary Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), economist Olawale Edun, banker Adebayo Adelabu, former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, APC Women Leader Mrs. Betta Edu, Senator Ben Ayade, and eminent journalist Dele Alake, who currently serves as the Special Adviser on Media, Strategy, and Special Duties.

According to a Senate source, President Tinubu sent the list to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following the constitutional requirement that the list should reach the National Assembly within 60 days after the presidential inauguration. The deadline for submission is this weekend.

The list comprises a mix of politicians and technocrats, reflecting the national character and outlook of the President and the ruling party. President Tinubu had previously emphasized the formation of an inclusive and competent government to drive his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda in the national interest.

Although the specific portfolios and the number of nominees are yet to be confirmed, the list is said to have been formulated after extensive consultations with members of the ruling APC National Caucus, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, top party leaders, and relevant stakeholders. The emphasis was on nominating experienced and dedicated individuals without any baggage.

Some notable candidates and their possible portfolios include Ali Pate, a former Minister of State (Health), likely to be assigned to the Health portfolio; Nyesom Wike, a lawyer and former Minister of State for Education; and Nasiru El-Rufai, who may be assigned to the Power Ministry and was previously a Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The screening of nominees is expected to take place next week, following the postponement of the Senate’s recess to accommodate the list’s reception and the screening process.