A fresh wave of political tension surfaced on Tuesday as the Presidency responded sharply to claims made by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South), who alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointments fail to uphold the federal character principle enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
Senator Ndume, during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time, criticized the President’s selection of key government officials, arguing that the choices reflect regional bias and contravene Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equitable distribution of public positions across Nigeria’s diverse demographics.
In a swift rebuttal posted on X (formerly Twitter), Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed the senator’s remarks as “selective” and “hypocritical,” accusing him of conveniently ignoring facts that undermine his argument. Onanuga questioned Ndume’s sincerity, highlighting that two individuals from the senator’s home district were recently appointed to top roles within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
Citing specific appointments, Onanuga pointed out that the Chairman of the NNPC Board, among others, hails from Ndume’s senatorial district—an indication, he argued, that the President’s approach to governance is not driven by tribal sentiments. He described the senator’s criticism as a recurring pattern of “political theatrics” and “half-truths.”
“Senator Ndume portrays himself as a defender of national equity,” Onanuga said, “yet he conveniently omits instances that contradict his claims. If the administration’s choices were indeed tribal, how did two of his kinsmen find their way into NNPC’s leadership?”
The media adviser went on to label Ndume’s criticisms as part of a broader strategy aimed at courting public attention, suggesting that the lawmaker often resorts to inflammatory commentary rather than offering evidence-based assessments or constructive input.
Restating the President’s vision for inclusive governance, Onanuga emphasized that appointments under the Tinubu administration are guided by a blend of merit, national representation, and competence—not regional favoritism.
“President Tinubu remains committed to assembling a team that reflects Nigeria’s diversity while prioritizing integrity and capacity to serve,” he asserted.
Concluding his remarks, Onanuga urged Senator Ndume to adopt a more fact-based approach in public discourse and refrain from propagating narratives that may inflame regional tensions or mislead the public.
