Ex-Buhari Aide, Lauretta Onochie, Attacks Tinubu Over Nepotism and Appointment Bias

Lauretta Onochie served former President Buhari. She was his Special Assistant on Digital Media. This is her second critical open letter in 90 days. She wrote it to her late former boss. Onochie lamented the current state of the nation. She blamed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

She accused the government of rewarding enemies. She said core loyalists were being sidelined. Onochie also chaired the NDDC. Her criticism specifically hit the new ambassadorial list. She alleged “blatant nepotism” in the choices. Onochie said the South-West was heavily favored.

Concerns Over Ambassadorial Nominees

Onochie provided a regional breakdown of the nominees. The list showed an uneven distribution of slots.

South-South: 3 nominees

North-West: 5 nominees

North-Central: 5 nominees

North-East: 5 nominees

South-East: 6 nominees

South-West: 11 nominees

She strongly insisted the South-West was overly favored. “But hey, you are solidly in bed with nepotism,” she wrote.

Accusations of Rewarding Opponents

Onochie claimed President Tinubu is compensating certain individuals. These people allegedly worked against the APC during Buhari’s tenure. She suggested that loyalty is not being rewarded. “We will overlook the glaring fact of rewarding those who mobilised hostilities against Pres. Buhari’s administration. Let’s just have ambassadors,” she stated.

Missing Buhari and Vows for 2027

In a lengthy post, Onochie addressed the former President. She claimed Nigerians now openly miss him. She cited worsening poverty and insecurity. Onochie praised Buhari’s discipline and honesty.“Your Excellency, Nigerians are saying something they never expected to say: ‘We miss Buhari.’ Not because your administration was without flaws, but because the pain Nigerians face today cuts deeper than words can capture,” she wrote.

She added that people are hurting and afraid. Onochie said they miss the stability under Buhari. She plans to join the ADC to help rescue Nigeria.

She admitted Buhari loyalists helped install the current government. “We know we are guilty of installing this incompetent and clueless government but be assured we are united in the bid to sack the government come 2027,” she wrote. This highlights a major APC internal rift.