APC stalwart reveals that Tinubu intends to appoint non-party members into his cabinet

FORMER All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant Nicolas Felix has revealed that president-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will appoint non-members of the party into his cabinet when he is sworn-in on May 29.

On Saturday February 25, Nigerians went to the polls to elect a new president and the Independent National Election Commission (Inec) subsequently declared Asiwaju Tinubu the winner. Among the other main gladiators in the contest were Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party and former Kano State governor Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP).

Speaking in an interview on Arise Television, Mr Felix, who was one of those who stood against Asiwaju Tinubu for the APC ticket, noted that cabinet appointments in the new administration would be based on competency and not party affiliations. He noted that every Nigerian matters, regardless of their political party, adding that Asiwaju Tinubu has said he would build a government of national unity.

Mr Felix said: “Asiwaju is a man that rewards loyalty and he rewards hard work. There are also Nigerians out there who are not members of our party who are also talented and experienced and capable.

“He is going to also look beyond his APC and start picking those who are out there. But I am also very sure as he has stretched his hands of fellowship to say I want to build a government of national unity and of you are in PDP, or if you are in Labour Party, or are in other parties, we are all Nigerians.”

He urged Nigerians to join hands with Asiwaju Tinubu to make Nigeria work again. According to Mr Felix, every Nigerian has an obligation to help the incoming administration succeed in making the country a better place.

“When a president is elected, what is expected of every patriotic Nigerian is to join hands with him to work together, except you are just here for your selfish interest. If you really want the growth of Nigeria and you want Nigeria to be better, whatever you have to offer, you have to present yourself for service.

“He has already stretched his hands of fellowship, so it is up to them to accept it and join him. I am sure he is not going to be running after people, he has already said come, let’s brainstorm.”