Politics

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu’s Presidency

Published

2 months ago

Mar 11, 2025.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with a series of internal conflicts across various states, which pose a threat to party unity and may impact upcoming elections.

Eko Hot Blog reports that these challenges encompass a range of issues, such as unresolved electoral wins, leadership disputes, defections, balancing interests, reconciliation efforts, allegations of disloyalty, and anti-party activities.

EDITOR’S PICK

Some of the prominent figures who seems sidelined since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as president include :

YEMI OSINBAJO

Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria, took a bold step when he decided to challenge his political godfather and current President, Bola Tinubu, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries.

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu's Presidency

Despite their long-standing relationship, Osinbajo’s move demonstrated his own political ambition and desire to lead the nation.

Although Osinbajo ultimately lost the primaries to Tinubu, his decision to contest sent a strong message about his commitment to his political aspirations.

IBIKUNLE AMOSUN

Ibikunle Amosun, a staunch supporter of former President Muhammadu Buhari and a prominent figure in the Ogun State APC, appears to be losing control over the political happenings within the party.

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu's Presidency

In recent months, a majority of his loyalists have switched camps, leaving the former governor to grapple with the harsh realities of politics.

The shifting allegiances raise questions about Amosun’s future role in Ogun State politics and the APC as a whole.

Kayode Fayemi

Dr. Kayode Fayemi has expressed concerns about the APC’s internal democracy and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances just like the new bride in SDP, Malam Nasir El-rufai.

A two time Ekiti State Governor, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and Minister in President Muhammadu Buhari’s first cabinet have been nowhere to be found in the Tinubu’s led administration.

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu's Presidency

There’s been rumor of his initial defection which he’s outrightly denied.

RAUF AREGBESOLA

Rauf Aregbesola, a longtime ally of President Tinubu and a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has recently faced allegations of anti-party activities that have led to a fallout with the President and his administration.

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu's Presidency

As a two-time commissioner under President Tinubu, a two-term Governor of Osun, and a former minister under President Buhari, Aregbesola has held significant political influence within the APC.

However, his recent political maneuvers have resulted in several members of his group in Osun defecting to the opposition party, signaling a potential shift in allegiances.

Speculation is mounting that Aregbesola himself may soon defect from the APC as his relationship with President Tinubu deteriorates.

The former governor’s alleged anti-party actions have put him at odds with the party leadership, calling into question his future within the APC.

GBEMISOLA SARAKI

Gbemisola Saraki, a prominent politician and former minister, has maintained a relatively low profile since President Tinubu took office.

The former senator, who previously served under President Buhari’s administration, has not been given a significant role in the current dispensation, leading to speculation about her future within the APC.

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu's Presidency

Despite rumors of a potential defection to the opposition PDP, Saraki has refuted these claims and reaffirmed her commitment to the APC.

ROCHAS OKOROCHA

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has experienced a significant decline in political influence since the emergence of Hope Uzodimma as the APC’s governorship candidate.

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu's Presidency

Okorocha’s disagreement with Uzodimma’s candidacy, and his desire to anoint his own candidate, has left him marginalized within the party.

Over the past two years, Okorocha has found himself in the shadows of President Tinubu’s administration, largely absent from the political forefront.

Despite this diminished presence, some of his mentees within the Rochas Political Institute for Emerging Leaders have recently announced their support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, indicating that Okorocha’s influence may not be entirely extinguished.

IYIOLA OMISORE

Iyiola Omisore, once a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and former national secretary of the APC, has largely faded from the public eye in recent times.

Omisore’s rise to this position was attributed to his loyalty to President Tinubu and his pivotal role in securing the election of former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu's Presidency

Despite being a strong political leader, Omisore has remained largely silent and unseen within the APC, having neither been appointed nor elected to any significant positions.

ROTIMI AMAECHI

Rotimi Amaechi, who once held the positions of Minister of Transportation, Governor of Rivers State, and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Committee, has found himself at a crossroads in his political career.

Despite his impressive credentials and a strong presence in the Nigerian political scene, Amaechi has been conspicuously absent from President Tinubu’s cabinet.

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu's Presidency

This absence, coupled with the nomination of Nyesom Wike, has led many to question Amaechi’s political value within the current administration.

PAULINE TALLEN

Pauline Tallen, a trailblazer in Nigerian politics, has made significant strides throughout her career, breaking barriers for women in leadership.

From her role as Deputy Governor of Plateau State, the first woman to hold that position in northern Nigeria, to her ministerial appointment in science and technology, Tallen has consistently championed development and advocated for social justice.

10 Influential APC Politicians Sidelined Since Tinubu's Presidency

Despite her numerous accomplishments, Tallen’s political career has recently encountered uncertainty. Since the emergence of President Tinubu, her influence seems to have diminished, with no significant appointments or roles within the new administration.