Ndume Blasts Tinubu Over ‘Unfair’ Appointments, Warns of Fallout

Nigerian Senator, Ali Ndume, representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu over what he described as lopsided political appointments that violate Nigeria’s federal character principle.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Ndume emphasized that while the president has the constitutional power to appoint individuals to key positions, such appointments must reflect the nation’s diversity to foster unity and national cohesion.

“The Constitution is very clear when you look at it vis-à-vis the appointments made so far. These are political appointments, and Section 143 clearly states that political appointments should reflect the federal character. That is not the case here,” Ndume stated.

The senator distinguished between professional and political appointments, noting that while specialized roles like those of the Chief of Army Staff or the Inspector General of Police require expertise, political roles must prioritize inclusivity.

“You can’t appoint someone who is not a soldier as Chief of Army Staff or someone who is not a police officer as the IGP. But for political appointments, the Constitution insists on fairness, and that’s being violated,” he added.

Ndume cautioned that failure to address the imbalance could have serious political implications for the Tinubu administration.

“These things can boomerang at a certain period of time if they are not corrected,” he warned. “All I’m doing is drawing the president’s attention to these infractions.”

The senator also rejected claims that his criticism was driven by personal motives, saying it is his duty as a lawmaker to provide oversight and speak out against irregularities.

“As a Nigerian, I have the right to voice this out. In fact, that’s why I’m in the National Assembly—to provide oversight on the president’s actions. This is not personal,” he said.

Ndume also took aim at members of the administration who he said were more focused on attacking him than addressing the issues he raised.

“Tinubu’s attack dogs will attack me and not the message,” he remarked.

He concluded by reminding public office holders of their ultimate accountability.

“At the end of it all, each one of us will stand before God and account for what we were responsible for. That’s why I’m saying this,” he said.