Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of advancing ethnic favoritism by retaining key security officials who have surpassed the statutory 35-year service limit.

In a strongly worded post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Sowore condemned what he described as “governance by tribalism.” He labelled Tinubu “the worst” in prioritizing sectional interests over national unity and the rule of law.

Sowore named three senior government officials whose continued stay in office, he claims, reflects ethnic partiality:

• Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP)

• Kemi Nandap, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

• Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

“These officers have clearly exceeded their service limits and should have exited their roles,” Sowore stated. “But tribal favoritism keeps them in office in clear violation of public service rules.”

He added, “Their prolonged tenure is not just illegal—it insults national integrity. This is not leadership; it is ethnic capture masquerading as governance.”

His post, titled “GOVERNANCE BY TRIBALISM, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu IS THE WORST!”, included hashtags like #RevolutionNow and #TinubuMustGo, signaling his continued discontent with the current administration.

Police Act Amendment Sparks Outrage

The controversy around IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure gained momentum after the National Assembly, on July 23, 2024, passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The bill, initiated by President Tinubu, introduced Section 18(8A), which allows an IGP to remain in office for the full term stated in their appointment letter, overriding the general retirement rule of 35 years of service or age 60, whichever comes first.

This change granted Egbetokun—who turned 60 in September 2024—legal backing to remain in office until October 31, 2027.

Although the amendment quickly sailed through the Senate and House of Representatives in one day, it drew intense criticism from legal experts and civil society groups.

For instance, the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) declared the amendment unconstitutional, citing Sections 214–216 of the 1999 Constitution. The group insisted that only a constitutional amendment, not a statutory revision, could override tenure limits.

In addition, Sowore faced arrest and 17 cybercrime charges after referring to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” on social media. Many human rights advocates condemned his arrest as an attack on free speech.

Similarly, legal scholar Chidi Odinkalu called the bill’s swift passage a “dangerous precedent” that erodes the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Nevertheless, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) defended the amendment, stating that it became law before Egbetokun’s retirement date, and therefore remains valid.

NIS and Customs Heads Also Under Scrutiny

Alongside Egbetokun, critics have questioned the continued service of Kemi Nandap, who was appointed Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service on March 1, 2024, with an initial tenure set to end on August 31, 2025.

However, President Tinubu approved an extension in March 2025, allowing her to remain in office until December 31, 2026. Nandap began her career in the Immigration Service on October 9, 1989, making her eligible for retirement under the 35-year service rule.

Similarly, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, appointed as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in June 2023, faces criticism over exceeding the standard service threshold.

Although the NCS Act 2023 gives the President the discretion to appoint and extend the CG’s tenure, activists argue that Adeniyi’s service has gone beyond the legal limit and should be terminated.

In April 2025, the NCS released a statement denying that the President had extended Adeniyi’s tenure. The agency described media reports to that effect as “inaccurate and misleading,” emphasizing that no official directive from the Presidency had been received.

Nonetheless, civil groups remain unconvinced. The Citizen Initiative for Good Governance (CIGG) has urged the National Assembly to resist any attempts to extend Adeniyi’s stay, accusing the customs leadership of fostering corruption, revenue leakage, and irregular promotions based on bribery.

A Larger Debate on Rule of Law and National Unity

Sowore’s allegations have ignited a broader debate on transparency, constitutional adherence, and ethnic equity in Nigeria’s top appointments.

Critics argue that by retaining officials beyond statutory limits, the Tinubu administration undermines the principles of meritocracy, accountability, and fairness—fueling disillusionment and division in the process.

While defenders of the administration point to executive discretion and legal loopholes, the growing outcry from civil society underscores the fragile trust between citizens and state institutions.

As Sowore continues to press for reforms and mobilize public sentiment, the question remains: will Nigeria’s leaders prioritize the rule of law over regional loyalty, or will the current trend of controversial tenure extensions further entrench political tension?