The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent political appointments, alleging that they breached the constitutional provision of federal character principle and failed to reflect Nigeria’s diversity.
Speaking during a televised interview on Arise News News’ PrimeTime show on Monday night, Ndume called for urgent redress, warning of long-term political consequences if the trend continues.
Ndume, who has consistently voiced his concerns over government decisions, pointed to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the equitable distribution of political appointments across the country’s regions to promote national unity, cohesion and prevent domination by any particular group.
“Section 14(3) of the Constitution is very, very clear,” Ndume said. “Appointments, especially political appointments, should reflect the federal character, and that is not the case here.”
The lawmaker clarified that his concerns were not based on personal grievances or political opposition, but rather on constitutional and moral obligations to the Nigerian people.
“I think I have a better personal relationship with most of these people… but that does not stop me from speaking the truth. I have an obligation to do that,” he stated. “Everyone, each one of us, will stand before God and account for what he is responsible for.”
While acknowledging that appointments to certain roles—such as military or police leadership—must be based on professional qualifications, Ndume stressed that political appointments fall under a different constitutional requirement, one that emphasises inclusivity and fairness.
“You can’t appoint somebody who is not a soldier to become the Chief of Army Staff… But when it comes to political appointments, the Constitution is clear.”
Ndume said he had provided factual data to back his claims and was not merely making accusations.
“I sent you figures. It’s not that I’m just making accusations,” he told the TV host. “These are facts extracted from what is going on… I brought it here so that you can see it.”
However, he also expressed concern about the backlash he often receives for speaking out, accusing loyalists of President Tinubu of diverting attention from the real issues to personal attacks.
“From now, after this interview, those attack dogs or Maga dogs will start attacking Ndume—not the message,” he said. “They will say, ‘Oh, he’s a frustrated person.’ But whatever. The facts are there.”
The Senator maintained that his position was rooted in constitutional duty, not political rivalry.
“As a Nigerian, I have the right to voice out all these things. Not only that—I have the right to even protest. That is guaranteed by the Constitution,” Ndume declared.
