Inside Aso Rock: Laolu Akande Reveals How Presidential Decisions Are Sometimes Taken Without the President

 

In a candid revelation about the complexities within Nigeria’s seat of power, former presidential spokesperson Laolu Akande has offered fresh insight into how decisions are often made under the guise of presidential authority—sometimes without the direct knowledge or endorsement of the President himself.

Akande, who served as the senior special assistant to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the previous administration, appeared on Channels Television’s flagship morning show Sunrise Daily on Friday. His appearance came amid intensifying scrutiny over the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, where Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), appointed as a Sole Administrator, recently made sweeping local government appointments. These actions have ignited constitutional debates, with critics questioning whether Ibas, reportedly appointed by President Bola Tinubu, possesses the legal mandate to make such executive decisions.

Responding to the controversy, Akande was quick to caution the public against assuming every decision bearing the presidential seal has actually been seen—or signed off—by the President himself.

“Let me explain how the corridors of power operate,” Akande began. “A lot of things get done in the name of the president that ultimately the president may not be the one instigating. But what you then find is that the president, depending on how he thinks about it, may decide to act like he didn’t see it—or, if he really feels it’s not something he approves, then he withdraws.”

His remarks arrive at a time when silence from President Tinubu on the unfolding Rivers State matter has fueled public suspicion, with many interpreting his lack of response as a tacit endorsement of Ibas’s actions. Asked about this perception, Akande offered a contextual defense.

“The president has been away on a retreat (in France), so let’s see what happens because there’s quite a bit of clamour,” he noted. “There are those who still believe that the president will probably see reasons. I know some of his allies who don’t agree with this thing (state of emergency in Rivers State), and they told him that he shouldn’t do it, so I think the president himself is trying to sort this thing out.”

While not directly defending the controversial decisions, Akande emphasized the importance of understanding the nuanced and often opaque workings within Aso Rock, where bureaucrats and political operatives may carry out initiatives “in the name of the president” that do not necessarily reflect his personal position.

The former spokesman didn’t shy away from drawing historical parallels. He referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s controversial declarations of states of emergency in Plateau and Ekiti States during his tenure—moves that faced criticism for overriding democratic structures. However, Akande warned against justifying current excesses by citing past precedents.

“I know people are saying Obasanjo did worse,” he acknowledged. “But Obasanjo and Tinubu have different pedigrees in Nigeria’s politics. It will be utterly disappointing if Tinubu does worse than Obasanjo.”

Akande’s remarks suggest that while power in Nigeria’s executive branch is highly centralized, it is also susceptible to manipulation and misrepresentation. His insider perspective underscores a recurring concern among analysts—that without stringent checks, those operating within the presidency may use the cloak of executive authority to push personal or factional agendas.

As the Rivers State situation continues to unfold, all eyes remain on President Tinubu’s next move. Will he clarify his position and restore public confidence in federal restraint, or will continued silence deepen perceptions of executive overreach?

For now, Akande’s commentary has sparked a wider conversation—not just about the Rivers crisis—but about the importance of transparent leadership and the necessity for the President to actively assert control over decisions made in his name.