Renowned author and public affairs commentator, Charles Omole, has stirred fresh debate about power dynamics within President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging that multiple “cabals” are operating around the presidency.
Omole, author of From Soldier to Statesman – The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, made the claims on Thursday while speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television. According to him, at least five distinct power blocs currently exist within the government, with some influential figures playing key roles.
“The president will always have people around him. But you need to put systems in place to avoid state capture or presidential capture because, for example, the current government has, from what I can see, at least five cabals within the presidency,” Omole said.
He added that one of the most striking aspects of his analysis was the president’s own position within these groupings.
“And the interesting thing about one of the cabals actually is headed by the president himself, based on my own analysis,” he stated.
Breaking down the structure further, Omole identified what he described as a Chief of Staff–led bloc.
“So, in this current administration, at least there are five groups. There is the Chief of Staff group headed by Femi Gbajabiamila. And by that I mean not just him but there are people in that circle like the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu,” he said.
He also pointed to another group linked to the president’s son.
“Secondly, you have the Seyi Tinubu’s group consisting of those he helped get some government appointments and all that,” Omole claimed, adding that the First Lady also has her own circle of influence. “And of course, you have the First Lady’s group, Remi Tinubu.”
Omole’s comments came days after the official unveiling of his book in Abuja. Reflecting on the previous administration, he alleged that similar inner-circle influences existed during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to him, Buhari’s health routine and access to information were allegedly shaped by powerful individuals around him.
“While Buhari loved reading newspapers, there were reports that the cabal created a version of newspapers that planted stories they wanted him to read,” Omole said.
Former President Buhari governed Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. The Katsina-born politician reportedly died on July 13 at the age of 82 in London.
Omole’s remarks have since ignited conversations about transparency, access, and power concentration within Nigeria’s highest office, renewing calls for stronger institutional safeguards against undue influence in governance.
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