Presidency Counters Ndume’s Claims, Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment To Inclusive Governance
The Presidency has dismissed recent claims by Senator Ali Ndume over alleged lopsided appointments by President Bola Tinubu, describing them as misleading, hypocritical, and reflective of a selective interpretation of facts.
Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, had on Monday accused President Tinubu of breaching the federal character principle in his political appointments.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time, the lawmaker cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equitable representation of Nigeria’s diverse regions in federal appointments.
“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 said.
He stressed that his criticism was not personal but part of his constitutional duty to hold the executive accountable.
In a swift rebuttal, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Ndume’s assertions were rooted in hypocrisy, noting that the senator conveniently ignored facts that contradict his narrative.
“Senator Ali Ndume’s latest outburst on TV about so-called ‘lopsided appointments’ by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reeks of hypocrisy and selective perception,” Onanuga said in a statement made available to Salient Times on Wednesday.
He pointed out that two of Ndume’s kinsmen were recently appointed to top positions in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), including the chairman, who hails from Ndume’s senatorial district.
“If Tinubu’s appointments were as tribal as Ndume suggests, how did two individuals from his own constituency emerge in such prominent national roles?” Onanuga queried.
He accused the senator of being “allergic to facts and addicted to theatrics,” adding that his comments were more about courting headlines and stirring division than offering constructive engagement.
“The President remains deeply committed to fostering a government that embraces all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional affiliations.
“His appointments are — and will continue to be — guided by merit, integrity, geographic balance, and a demonstrable capacity to serve,” Onanuga stressed.
The presidential aide further urged Ndume and other political leaders to focus on promoting national unity and public enlightenment, rather than engaging in what he described as “baseless criticisms” that mislead the public and undermine the spirit of inclusiveness.
“This is a disservice to the nation and the behaviour least expected from a Nigerian Senator,” he added.
