Senator Ndume Warns Of “Boomerang Effect” Over Alleged Federal Character Violations In Tinubu’s Appointments
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, on Monday, April 7, 2025, voiced strong concerns over what he described as a breach of the federal character principle in President Bola Tinubu’s political appointments.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Politics Today, the outspoken All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker warned that the skewed nature of these appointments could lead to significant political consequences if not addressed.
Ndume emphasized that while the President has the constitutional prerogative to make appointments, such decisions must reflect Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity as mandated by Section 143 of the Nigerian Constitution. He drew a distinction between professional appointments—such as the Chief of Army Staff or Inspector-General of Police, which require specific qualifications—and political appointments, which, he argued, should prioritize inclusivity to promote national unity.
“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 they should reflect the federal character. That is not the case here,” Ndume said. He added, “You can’t appoint someone who isn’t a soldier as Chief of Army Staff or a non-police officer as IGP, but for political appointments, fairness is a constitutional requirement, and that’s being violated.”
The senator cautioned that failure to correct these “infractions” could have a boomerang effect on the Tinubu administration. “These things can backfire at a certain point if they’re not addressed. I’m simply drawing the President’s attention to this,” he said, urging swift action to realign the appointments with constitutional standards.
Dismissing suggestions that his critique stemmed from personal grievances, Ndume asserted that his role as a legislator includes providing oversight of executive actions. “As a Nigerian, I have the right to speak out. That’s why I’m in the National Assembly—to oversee the President’s actions. This isn’t personal,” he insisted. He expressed frustration that some within the administration focused on attacking him rather than addressing the substance of his concerns. “Tinubu’s attack dogs will target me, not the message,” he remarked.
Ndume further underscored the gravity of his stance by invoking accountability beyond politics. “At the end of it all, each of us will stand before God and account for our responsibilities. That’s why I’m speaking out,” he said.
The senator’s comments come amid broader criticisms of the Tinubu administration, including allegations of regional bias in appointments, with over 70% reportedly favoring the Southwest, according to Ndume. He provided evidence to support his claims during the interview, challenging the administration to refute the figures rather than resort to personal attacks.
This is not the first time Ndume has taken a critical stance against his party’s leadership. Known for his forthrightness, he has previously highlighted issues such as unchecked government borrowing and rising insecurity, including in his home state of Borno, where he claims militant attacks signal a resurgence of Boko Haram. His latest remarks reinforce his reputation as a self-styled “one-man oversight mission” within the National Assembly, even as he faces accusations from administration allies of stirring discord.
