There Are Five Cabals in Tinubu’s Government

Political analyst and author of From Soldier to Statesman, Charles Omole, has stirred public debate with his assertion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is shaped by the influence of multiple power blocs operating within and around the presidency. Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme monitored by Daily Post, Omole argued that governance under the current administration reflects the presence of at least five distinct cabals, each exerting varying degrees of influence on decision-making at the highest level.

According to Omole, the existence of these cabals is not in itself unusual, as every government naturally develops inner circles of trust and influence. However, he warned that without strong institutional safeguards, such groupings could lead to state capture or an over-centralisation of power, undermining transparency and accountability.

Omole’s analysis identifies five major cabals within President Tinubu’s government:

1. The Presidential Cabal (Tinubu Himself)

Omole controversially argued that the most influential cabal is headed by President Tinubu himself. In his view, the president is not merely a passive figure surrounded by power brokers but an active centre of authority who carefully manages competing interests. Tinubu’s long political career, extensive networks, and reputation as a master strategist place him in a position where ultimate power rests squarely with him. Omole suggested that many critical decisions ultimately reflect the president’s personal judgment rather than the collective will of any single faction.

2. The Chief of Staff Power Bloc (Gbajabiamila–Wike–Ribadu Axis)

The second cabal, according to Omole, revolves around the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. This group is said to include influential figures such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Omole clarified that this bloc is not limited to these individuals alone but extends to technocrats, political operatives, and security actors aligned with their influence. This group is believed to play a significant role in policy coordination, security strategy, and political balancing within the administration.

3. The Seyi Tinubu Group

Another cabal identified by Omole centres on Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son. This group reportedly consists of younger political actors, business interests, and individuals who benefited from appointments or political backing through Seyi’s networks. Omole noted that while this group may not wield formal authority, its access to power corridors and influence among emerging elites makes it a notable force within the political ecosystem of the administration.

4. The First Lady’s Group (Remi Tinubu Bloc)

Omole also pointed to a cabal associated with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. This group is believed to focus on social policy, women-related initiatives, faith-based networks, and political allies cultivated over years of public service. While often perceived as less confrontational, Omole suggested that the First Lady’s influence remains significant, especially given President Tinubu’s well-known respect for her counsel.

5. Other Peripheral but Strategic Power Circles

Although Omole did not fully detail the fifth cabal in rigid terms, he implied the existence of additional strategic circles made up of long-standing loyalists, regional power brokers, and institutional gatekeepers who have worked with Tinubu over decades. These individuals may not always appear in the spotlight but are crucial to sustaining political stability and managing internal rivalries.

In conclusion, Omole stressed that the real issue is not the presence of cabals but the absence of strong systems to regulate their influence. He warned that when informal power structures overshadow institutions, governance becomes personality-driven rather than rule-based. His remarks have since generated widespread reactions, with critics dismissing the analysis as exaggerated, while supporters argue it offers a realistic snapshot of power dynamics in Nigerian politics.

Ultimately, the debate underscores a broader truth: power in government is rarely monolithic, and understanding its internal dynamics is essential for assessing how decisions are made and whose interests they truly serve.