In a bold rebuke of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has accused the President of flouting the Nigerian Constitution by ignoring the federal character principle in his political appointments.
Appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, Ndume cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates inclusive and balanced appointments to reflect Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity. The senator didn’t mince words, accusing Tinubu of centralising power and alienating other regions of the country — a move he warned could “boomerang” if not urgently corrected.
“The constitution is very clear, and what we’re seeing now completely violates it,” Ndume said, pointing to data he claims proves systemic imbalance in recent appointments. “It’s not personal — this is my duty as a legislator. But I know the so-called ‘Tinubu boys’ will come after me for saying this.”
The outspoken lawmaker warned that continued disregard for the federal character principle could deepen national disunity and inflame already simmering tensions. We are all in this government. What are we supposed to tell our people when they ask questions? These facts are out there. But the attack dogs will target the messenger, not the message.”
Ndume insisted that his criticism is constitutionally justified and part of his oversight responsibility in the National Assembly. “I have the right to speak. I have the right to protest. And I won’t stop because of political intimidation,” he declared.
