Tinubu sacks Wale Edun finance minister after reported loss of confidence, funding disputes and policy disagreements within cabinet
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, from his cabinet in a move that insiders describe as the culmination of months of strained relations and declining confidence.
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Tinubu Drops Wale Edun From Cabinet Position, followed a week in which the president publicly acknowledged several prominent figures on their birthdays but notably omitted Edun, who turned 70 on April 20, a detail that heightened speculation within political circles.
Sources familiar with internal deliberations said the decision had been building for months, with Edun allegedly asked to step aside as early as October 2025.
Although he remained in office, his influence reportedly waned, with key responsibilities reassigned to junior ministers.
Among the factors cited for his removal were disagreements over fiscal priorities, particularly the allocation of funds for major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal road and the Sokoto-Badagry super highway.
Insiders claimed that Edun’s cautious approach to spending, driven by debt servicing obligations and wage commitments, drew criticism from both government agencies and contractors.
Tensions were further exacerbated by concerns within the administration over delayed capital releases and mounting complaints from ministries, departments and agencies, many of which reported limited access to budgeted funds.
Additional friction reportedly arose from public statements attributed to Edun that appeared to contradict presidential claims on revenue performance, as well as internal disagreements during cabinet meetings.
Despite attempts by some aides to retain him, the decision to remove Edun ultimately prevailed, marking a decisive and powerful shift in the administration’s economic leadership.
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The presidency is yet to formally announce a successor, although several names have been mentioned within policy and political circles as potential replacements.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
