Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) has congratulated Donald Trump on his reelection as president of the United States of America.

The former governor of Bayelsa State conveyed his goodwill message to Trump in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Sunday.

He expressed optimism that Trump’s leadership would “not only advance the American dream but also promote the cause for global peace, stability and progress”.

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GEJ wrote, “Dear President Trump,

“I extend my warmest felicitations to you on your election as the 47th President of the United States. Your impressive victory is a testament to the American people’s faith in your leadership and vision for the future.

“I am optimistic that your Presidency will not only advance the American dream but also promote the cause for global peace, stability and progress.

“Please accept my heartfelt congratulations, once again. – GEJ”

Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, the immediate past Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has alleged that political machinations were behind his removal from office.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Sunday, Gwarzo expressed surprise over his dismissal, insisting that it was not due to any wrongdoing or poor performance during his tenure.

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“I was surprised because I wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or poor performance. And I was a minister of state working alongside the senior minister, who handled a large portion of the ministry’s activities,” Gwarzo said.

He further explained that before the announcement, President Buhari had informed him about the decision, citing an overload of political officers from Kano North and the need to balance the representation.

Despite the President’s explanation, Gwarzo remained skeptical, hinting at a deeper political agenda. “From there, I began to suspect that some people are behind this,” he remarked, describing the reasoning given for his dismissal as unconvincing.

Gwarzo also questioned the allocation of the ministerial slot for Kano, suggesting that the position should have gone to Nasiru Gawuna, the 2023 gubernatorial candidate and a prominent political figure in Kano Central.

“If it’s true that the ministerial slot will be allocated to Kano Central, we have our 2023 gubernatorial candidate, who is also our leader in Kano Central. Why not consider giving him the slot?” Gwarzo argued.

He emphasized that Gawuna, as a key political leader in the region, should have been the first to be considered for the position.

“Gawuna should be offered the position first, unless he declines, in which case it could be given to someone else,” Gwarzo added.

He pointed out that candidates from other states, such as Plateau and Zamfara, who contested in the 2023 elections, were given ministerial appointments, further fueling his belief that political factors played a role in the decision.

President-elect Donald Trump has ruled out two prominent figures from his first administration, announcing that former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley will not return in his new cabinet.

The decision, shared on Trump’s Truth Social network on Saturday, ends speculation about potential roles for Pompeo and Haley, who were both high-profile leaders under Trump in his previous term.

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“I will not be inviting” either of them back, Trump wrote, while expressing appreciation for their previous service to the country.

The announcement comes amid policy disagreements and political tension. In July, Pompeo outlined a hawkish stance on Ukraine, advocating for increased U.S. weapons aid and tough action against Russia’s energy sector.

The proposal appeared to clash with Trump’s campaign pledge to end the Ukraine war quickly, with Trump repeatedly asserting he could negotiate peace within his first 24 hours in office and criticizing extensive U.S. aid to Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Haley, who challenged Trump in this year’s Republican primary before eventually endorsing him, had offered sharp advice during her campaign.

In August, she urged Trump to “quit whining” about Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, underscoring her independent approach and likely complicating her return to Trump’s cabinet.

Trump, however, did announce his first major appointment, naming campaign manager Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff.

Wiles, praised by Trump for her calm demeanor under pressure, has reportedly earned the nickname “ice baby” for her unflappable nature.

Her appointment marks a historic milestone, as she will be the first woman to hold the position in Trump’s administration.

With Wiles’ appointment, Trump’s new team is beginning to take shape, with further cabinet announcements expected in the coming weeks as he prepares for his second term.