Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly making lopsided political appointments that favor a particular ethnic group, in violation of the Federal Character principle enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News Prime Time, which was monitored on Monday, Ndume expressed concern over the increasing number of federal appointments that he described as “non-inclusive” and contrary to the “Renewed Hope Agenda” championed by the President.
“I was shocked when I read the endless and sectional list of political appointees. It doesn’t reflect the Federal Character principle as mandated in Section 14(3) of the Constitution,” the senator said.
Ndume, a vocal member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized that while the President has the authority to make appointments, political positions must be distributed to reflect national diversity and inclusiveness.
“If you count five people in the North with a personal relationship with President Tinubu, I am one of them. But that will not stop me from telling the truth,” he said.
He clarified that his criticism is not a personal attack but a call for correction, warning that the continued marginalization of certain regions could have long-term consequences. “This thing can boomerang at a certain period of time,” Ndume warned.
The senator also decried the backlash he often receives from loyalists of the President, saying, “Tinubu’s attack dogs will attack me, not the message. It is unfortunate.”
Ndume reaffirmed his duty as a legislator to hold the executive accountable and ensure adherence to constitutional provisions. “We are supposed to oversee the acts of the President and point out irregularities. This is what we swore to do.”
Despite his party affiliation and close ties with President Tinubu, Ndume insisted that his stance is motivated by the national interest and his constitutional responsibility to advocate for equity and fairness in governance.
