Ndume Slams Tinubu Over Uneven Federal Appointments
posted 8th April 2025
Ndume Slams Tinubu Over Uneven Federal Appointments
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he describes as a skewed approach to federal appointments. Ndume argues that the current pattern disproportionately favours one ethnic group, flouting the Federal Character principle enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
Speaking on Arise News’ Prime Time programme yesterday, monitored by our correspondent, Ndume expressed dismay at a widely circulated list of political appointees, which he branded as exclusionary. He suggested that this imbalance undermines President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’—a pledge made during his Oath of Office to govern inclusively and represent all Nigerians.
“I was shocked when I saw the endless, sectional list of appointees dominating social media and public discourse,” Ndume remarked. “It’s non-inclusive and doesn’t reflect the promises the President made to carry everyone along.”
As a legislator and vocal member of the ruling party, Ndume has frequently challenged government policies he believes neglect the interests of ordinary Nigerians. He pointed to Section 14(3) of the Constitution, which mandates that political appointments reflect Nigeria’s diverse makeup to ensure fairness and unity. “The figures speak for themselves,” he said, referencing the appointment list he had shared with the programme’s hosts. “I’m not saying the President doesn’t have the right to make appointments, but the Constitution is clear—this isn’t about professional roles like the Chief of Army Staff or Inspector General of Police, where specific qualifications apply. Political appointments must adhere to Federal Character, and that’s not happening here.”
Ndume urged President Tinubu to address the issue promptly, warning that failure to do so could have repercussions. “All I’m doing is drawing the President’s attention to these infractions so they can be corrected,” he said. “If not, this could backfire at some point.”
Acknowledging his reputation as a government critic, Ndume defended his stance: “People see me as critical, but that’s my job. I was elected to the National Assembly to oversee the President’s actions and highlight irregularities. It’s not personal—I’m one of the five people in the North closest to Tinubu. But that doesn’t stop me from speaking the truth in the interest of all Nigerians.”
The senator anticipated pushback from what he called “Tinubu’s attack dogs,” predicting they would target him rather than engage with his message. “After this, the so-called Tinubu Boys will come after me, calling me frustrating,” he lamented. “But as leaders, we’ll all stand before God one day to account for our stewardship. I have a duty to say this.”
Ndume’s comments underscore a growing tension within the APC and highlight broader concerns about equity and representation in Tinubu’s administration, raising questions about how the President will respond to this latest critique from within his own ranks.
