Major Cabinet Overhaul Imminent: 11 Ministers Could Be Axed, Fashola Tipped as Potential Replacement for Gbajabiamila

The Presidency has confirmed that a significant cabinet reshuffle is expected soon, with up to 11 ministers possibly losing their positions. This development, revealed during a media briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, signals that President Bola Tinubu is preparing for a major shake-up.

Though no specific timeline was provided, O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, hinted that the reshuffle could be announced as early as this week.

According to insiders, the long-awaited changes were delayed after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting earlier this week. “While the President plans to make adjustments, I cannot confirm if it will happen before the Independence Day celebrations,” Onanuga stated.

Rumors are swirling that Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff, might be among those dismissed. Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Works and Housing, is being considered as a likely replacement. If Fashola declines the role, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the President’s current principal secretary, is another strong contender.

The reshuffle will likely affect several key ministries. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance, may receive additional support from Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, who is expected to be appointed as a junior minister.

There are speculations that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by Betta Edu, might be dissolved due to allegations of mismanagement in the distribution of intervention funds. Other ministers who may be impacted include Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior.

Sources also suggest that a few ministers from the Buhari administration might return to the current cabinet, with some officials being reassigned to other ministries based on performance evaluations.

The reshuffle follows months of public dissatisfaction with the performance of President Tinubu’s 45-member cabinet, especially amidst ongoing economic challenges. The reshuffling is seen as part of Tinubu’s efforts to realign his team with his “Renewed Hope” agenda for the country.