Ndume raises alarm over federal character violations in Tinubu’s appointments

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s political appointments, accusing the administration of breaching the federal character principle enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.

The outspoken lawmaker warned that his comments could trigger retaliatory attacks from loyalists of the president, whom he referred to as “attack dogs” and “Tinubu boys.”

Speaking during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time program on Monday, Ndume stated that President Tinubu’s appointments thus far have been heavily skewed and fail to reflect Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity as mandated by law.

“When you look at it vis-a-vis the appointments made so far, and there are political appointments, the constitution is very clear. It is because of avoiding such infractions that the Constitution clearly states that appointments, especially political appointments, should reflect the federal character, and that is not the case here,” Ndume asserted.

Ndume emphasized that his criticism was rooted in his constitutional duty as a lawmaker, not a personal attack on the president or the administration.

He noted that lawmakers are obligated to provide oversight and ensure the president adheres to constitutional guidelines.

“All I am saying is to call the attention of Mr. President to such infractions so they can be corrected. Otherwise, you know, these things can boomerang at a certain period of time. Collectively, we are supposed to oversee the acts of Mr. President and point out some of these irregularities. That is what we swore to do.”

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“Besides, we are all in this government. What will we tell our people?” he asked, alluding to growing dissatisfaction among some constituencies over perceived marginalization in federal appointments.

The senator expressed concern that his remarks would provoke hostile reactions from Tinubu’s political base.

“But you know what? After this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message. From tomorrow, those so-called Tinubu boys or people will start attacking Ndume,” he said.

This is not the first time Senator Ndume has criticized federal actions under the Tinubu administration. As a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senate Chief Whip, his comments carry significant weight and signal deepening internal discontent over how national appointments have been distributed.

Ndume’s comments are likely to reignite the long-standing debate around Nigeria’s federal character principle, which mandates equitable representation of different ethnic and regional groups in government positions.

Analysts warn that failure to adhere to this principle could deepen political divisions and erode national cohesion.

Dr. Fatima Ayodele, a political scientist at the University of Abuja, said Ndume’s warning should not be dismissed.

“What he is pointing out is not new, but coming from someone within the president’s own party, it should prompt urgent introspection. Nigerians are increasingly sensitive to issues of inclusion, and the federal character principle is there to ensure balance,” she explained.

As the administration continues to fill key positions and implement its agenda, pressure is mounting on President Tinubu to address concerns of exclusion and reassure all regions of their stake in the Nigerian project.