The Nigerian Presidency has fired back at Senator Ali Ndume following his recent accusations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointments are biased and in violation of the federal character principle outlined in the Constitution.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, raised the concerns during a live interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on Monday.
He criticized the President for what he described as a failure to ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
“It’s not just an allegation—I’ve sent the figures. Section 14(3) of the Constitution is clear on federal character,” Ndume said.
“Appointments should reflect Nigeria’s diversity. What we’re seeing now does not.”
He warned that such imbalances, if left unaddressed, could create long-term instability.
“This isn’t about politics. I’m simply drawing attention to a constitutional breach that could backfire in the future,” he added, predicting that “attack dogs” would target him rather than his message.
In a swift response on Tuesday, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a sharp rebuttal via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. Titled “A Response to Ali Ndume,” the statement dismissed the senator’s comments as hypocritical and misleading.
“Senator Ndume’s remarks reek of selective outrage. He failed to mention that two of his own kinsmen recently secured top appointments at NNPC Limited, one of whom was named Chairman by President Tinubu,” Onanuga stated.
He accused the senator of engaging in political showmanship and ignoring facts to stir public sentiment.
“Ndume has a pattern: dramatic claims without substance. He prioritizes media attention over national unity and constructive engagement,” the presidential aide added.
Onanuga reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to building a merit-based and inclusive administration.
According to him, appointments under Tinubu are not influenced by tribal or regional loyalties but are guided by competence, character, and a desire to serve the Nigerian people.
“The President’s goal is clear: unite Nigerians and build a strong, inclusive government. That cannot happen through cherry-picked statistics or politically motivated outrage,” he said.
Onanuga urged Senator Ndume to contribute positively to national discourse and avoid spreading what he described as “baseless criticism and misinformation.”
“Such behavior is unbecoming of a lawmaker and does nothing to help the country move forward,” he concluded.
