posted 9th April 2025
Senator Ndume Faces Backlash Over Past Silence Amid Criticism of Tinubu’s Appointments
Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Ali Ndume, the vocal Borno South representative, has come under fire from human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu, who used a post on X (formerly Twitter) to question Ndume’s silence during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The jab comes as Ndume has recently taken a stand against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of breaching Nigeria’s federal character principle through lopsided appointments.
In his X post, Odinkalu directly challenged Ndume, writing, “Distinguished Senator, can you please remind me what you said when Buhari was busy burying federal character?” The comment casts doubt on Ndume’s consistency, pointing to a time when the constitutional principle—designed to ensure equitable representation of Nigeria’s diverse regions and ethnic groups in public office—was allegedly undermined under Buhari’s watch.
Ndume, a veteran lawmaker and former Senate Majority Leader, has lately been outspoken about what he sees as regional imbalances in Tinubu’s early appointments, arguing that they violate the federal character ethos enshrined in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. His criticism has resonated with some Nigerians who feel marginalised by the current administration’s decisions, positioning him as a champion of fairness. Yet, Odinkalu’s pointed question suggests that Ndume’s silence during Buhari’s tenure, when similar grievances were rife, undermines his current moral authority.
While some defend Ndume, arguing that his present stance reflects growth and a commitment to national unity, while others echo Odinkalu’s scepticism, questioning why the senator, a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) under Buhari, did not speak out then.
Federal character remains a deeply contentious issue in Nigeria, where perceived favouritism in appointments often fuels ethnic and regional discord. Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, has faced growing scrutiny over his administration’s picks, with Ndume’s critiques amplifying the debate.
Odinkalu’s post has added a layer of complexity, forcing a reckoning with Ndume’s past record as he takes on the present government.
Analysts suggest that Ndume’s attacks on Tinubu could hint at broader tensions within the APC, a party grappling with the challenge of balancing Nigeria’s diversity.
As the federal character debate heats up ahead of future elections, Ndume’s next move could prove pivotal.
Critics like Odinkalu continue to press for answers about his track record in a nation where equity in governance remains an elusive goal.
