By Ebenezer Mabinuola
As President Bola Tinubu approaches the midpoint of his four-year term on May 29, tensions are mounting within Aso Rock over a confidential performance audit that may trigger a major cabinet shake-up.
At the heart of this audit is Hadiza Bala-Usman, head of the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit (CDCU). Her team of over 140 evaluators has spent months dissecting ministerial performance using hard data—not political spin—sourced from Q1 2025 benchmarks agreed at the October 2023 retreat.
Dubbed “The Scorecards,” the report allegedly paints a grim picture: widespread underperformance, inefficiency, and stagnation across most ministries. According to insider accounts, only the Ministry of Works earned positive marks. The rest have failed to meet expectations—despite operating with record federal budgets.
President Tinubu, who previously warned that “if you perform, you stay; if not, you leave,” is expected to confront ministers privately, armed with their individual scorecards. A smaller purge occurred in October 2024, removing two ministers—seen now as a precursor to a broader reshuffle.
The audit comes at a time of mounting public discontent over rising inflation, insecurity, and deteriorating public services. Opposition parties, including the PDP, LP, and NNPP, have described Tinubu’s administration as “directionless” and are calling for a clear-out of underperforming ministers.
Civil society groups have also joined the growing calls for transparent governance and accountability, warning that failure to act could deepen the crisis of confidence in government.
Despite the political storm, the CDCU has maintained radio silence, focusing solely on outcomes. As Nigerians struggle with worsening economic realities, the performance report may serve as both a reckoning and an opportunity for Tinubu to reset his administration.
May 29 will not just mark a ceremonial milestone—it may usher in the most consequential moment of President Tinubu’s term. For many ministers, the verdict is near. And for some, it could be their last days in office.
