The status of Mr. Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), remains uncertain amid widespread reports of his alleged resignation. Neither the Presidency nor NNPCL has issued an official statement as of press time, fueling speculation and tension within the oil and gas sector.
Ojulari, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in April 2025, was reportedly pressured to resign due to political considerations, including his alleged association with Abdullahi Bashir-Haske, son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Sources suggest some power brokers within the Presidency fear potential political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
An online medium further alleged that Ojulari was abducted and forced to resign by security agencies—a claim the Department of State Services (DSS) has categorically denied. A DSS insider said linking the agency to such an incident is defamatory and baseless.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has not commented, and all efforts to reach its officials have been rebuffed. The Presidency has also distanced itself from making any formal clarification, insisting that communication on NNPCL matters should come from the corporation itself.
Internally, NNPCL has not released a statement on the matter, and Ojulari has remained unreachable, with multiple calls and messages ignored. However, a company insider who requested anonymity told Vanguard:
“Ojulari has not resigned. Unfortunately, these allegations have disrupted operations. He was just settling into the job.”
The insider also lamented the politicization of the issue, warning it could affect the focus and productivity of the national oil company.
Political Intrigue Behind the Scenes
Sources claim the controversy may be driven by political actors concerned that Ojulari’s perceived closeness to northern elites and figures like Bashir-Haske could benefit opposition interests, particularly Atiku Abubakar’s anticipated 2027 presidential campaign.
“Tinubu himself has no problem with Ojulari, but those around him don’t want to take chances,” the source said.
As the situation unfolds, industry stakeholders and observers await clarification from official quarters to dispel the growing speculation and stabilize leadership within NNPCL.
