Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South (APC), has raised serious concerns over the imbalance in federal appointments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the president of favouring one ethnic group over others — a clear violation of Nigeria’s Federal Character principle.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News Prime Time, which aired yesterday, Ndume said he was “shocked and disappointed” after reviewing the long list of federal political appointments circulating on social media. According to him, the list clearly lacks inclusion and contradicts Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I don’t think I have anything new to add because the figures are already out there. It’s not about making baseless allegations — the Constitution is very clear on this matter,” Ndume stated.
Citing Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, Ndume emphasized that federal political appointments must reflect national diversity. He noted that while professional roles like the Chief of Army Staff or the IGP require specific qualifications, political appointments should be evenly distributed across all regions and ethnic groups.
“The Federal Character principle exists to ensure fairness and national unity. What we are seeing today does not reflect that — and if not corrected, it may backfire in the future,” he warned.
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Ndume, a vocal member of the ruling APC, added that it was his duty as a lawmaker to call out irregularities, regardless of his personal relationship with the president.
“If you count five people in the North who are close to President Tinubu, I am one of them. But that won’t stop me from speaking the truth. We are elected to represent the people and ensure fairness in governance,” he said.
The senator, known for his outspoken stance on policies that he believes harm ordinary Nigerians, lamented that loyalists of the president often attack him personally instead of addressing the message.
“This is not personal. I am doing this for the interest of all Nigerians. Unfortunately, after this interview, the so-called ‘Tinubu boys’ will come after me instead of focusing on the real issue,” he added.
Ndume’s explosive remarks have since gone viral on social media, igniting fresh debates on marginalization, governance, and national unity under the Tinubu administration.
