Understanding the Ranking of Aides to a President or Governor — The Real Power & Influence
Yesterday, I met a grassroots politician who shared a familiar frustration, he was appointed Special Assistant, yet for two years he has not had a single one-on-one meeting with his Governor.
I simply smiled. We had a long, honest conversation — and I advised him carefully.
But his story reminded me of a timeless truth in governance. Titles do not automatically confer influence. Access, trust, and usefulness have always shaped real power — from the old traditional courts to modern State Houses.
So it is important to understand how political aides are ranked.
THE TRADITIONAL HIERARCHY OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES
- Minister or Commissioner
The most senior appointees and statutory members of the Executive Council.
- Special Adviser (SA)
Junior to a Minister/Commissioner. Recognised members of EXCO with advisory mandates.
- Technical Adviser / Technical Assistant (TA)
Experts hired to provide specialised technical guidance on policy, reforms, strategy, or sectoral issues.
They sit informally between the SA and SSA in hierarchy, and are widely used by Ministers, Commissioners, and even Governors seeking deep expertise.
- Senior Special Assistant (SSA)
Junior to the SA (and the TA when one exists). Focused on operational leadership and coordination.
- Special Assistant (SA)
Junior to SSA. Handles specific assignments or portfolio support.
- Personal Assistant (PA)
The most junior — the “last born” of the system — but sometimes the most powerful depending on their proximity to the leader.
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATIONS
- There is nothing like a Senior Special Adviser. What exists is Senior Special Assistant (SSA).
- At the State level, only Commissioners and some selected Special Advisers are statutory members of EXCO.
- SSAs, SAs, TAs, and PAs attend EXCO only when specially invited or when they belong to the scheme team — the inner workings around the Governor or President.
BUT HERE IS THE REALITY – POWER DOES NOT ALWAYS FOLLOW RANK
Regardless of the hierarchy, the President or Governor alone decides who becomes influential.
- A Personal Assistant may be more powerful than a Minister.
- A Technical Adviser may shape policy more than a Commissioner.
- A quiet aide with trusted access may redirect the entire system.
This has been true in traditional leadership, and it remains true today.
THE REAL GAME: PROXIMITY, TRUST & USEFULNESS
Every administration has: its kitchen cabinet,
its influencers, its enablers, and its scheme team and the people who truly move decisions.
In governance, proximity is power, trust is currency, and usefulness is the ultimate ticket to influence.
Understanding this helps political actors navigate their roles with wisdom, patience, and strategic clarity.
In the end, the real measure of your relevance is not your title but the value you bring to the table. Leaders listen to those who solve problems, reduce their burdens, protect their blind spots, and help them deliver results.
The President or Governor will always give more access, attention, and trust to the aide whose contribution strengthens the administration. In politics as in life, your value determines the listening ear you receive.
First published 9th December 2021 — republished for reflection and guidance.
Murtala Adogi Mohammed
Danmasanin Adogi
Founder/CEO System Strategy & Policy Lab
