Presidency, EFCC, DSS, NNPCL keep mum amid rising speculation
The fate of Mr. Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), remained uncertain as of last night, as neither the Presidency nor key government agencies have offered clarity following reports of his alleged resignation.
Mr. Ojulari, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in April 2025 to head Nigeria’s state-owned oil giant, is said to have tendered his resignation under pressure. Reports circulating over the weekend allege that he was compelled to step down following concerns within the Presidency. However, no official accusation has been made public against him.
An online publication further claimed that Ojulari was allegedly abducted and threatened by operatives of two federal security agencies to force his resignation — an allegation that has since triggered shockwaves within Nigeria’s oil sector.
In response, a senior official of the Department of State Services (DSS), speaking under anonymity, firmly denied any involvement in such actions. “The DSS has absolutely nothing to do with the NNPC CEO,” the official said. “Any individual who links the agency to such conduct risks legal consequences for defamation.”
The source emphasized that the new DSS leadership under Director-General Adeola Tosin Ajayi is committed to lawful conduct and distancing the agency from political interference or controversial operations.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also maintained silence on the matter, as efforts to obtain an official comment from the commission were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has declined to confirm or deny Ojulari’s reported resignation. A senior aide at the Villa said it was not the President’s office that should speak for the NNPCL and advised that further inquiries be directed to the oil company itself.
However, the NNPCL has not issued any statement, more than 24 hours after the controversy broke. Internally, there is no clear communication either, further deepening confusion around the status of the company’s leadership.
Political Undercurrents Linked to 2027 Elections
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the unfolding crisis may have political undertones tied to the 2027 general elections. A reliable insider told Vanguard that Ojulari’s perceived association with Abdullahi Bashir-Haske—founder of AA&R and son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—has raised suspicions within the President’s inner circle.
“They fear that if Bashir-Haske continues to benefit from NNPCL contracts through his relationship with Ojulari, it may indirectly empower Atiku ahead of 2027,” the source said. “Even though President Tinubu himself is reportedly not opposed to Ojulari, some of his close associates are uncomfortable and want him out to avoid any political risk.”
Ojulari, who has spent much of his life in northern Nigeria and is fluent in Hausa, is considered by many insiders to have strong northern affiliations. While this in itself is not controversial, it appears to have become a point of concern within certain political circles.
Operations Disrupted, Staff Left in Limbo
Efforts to contact Ojulari directly were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages. However, a staff member at NNPCL, who asked not to be named, said the CEO had not formally resigned and described the situation as a major disruption.
“Ojulari was just beginning to settle into the role. Now, the entire organization is distracted and uneasy,” the staffer said. “We hope clarity is provided soon so we can return to work under a stable environment.”
Access to the NNPC Towers in Abuja has become more restricted in recent years, making it difficult for journalists to obtain timely information from key offices.
As speculation continues to swirl and silence deepens from official quarters, the oil sector remains on edge, with stakeholders demanding transparency to restore confidence in the leadership of Nigeria’s most strategic national asset.
Comments