Tinubu’s Appointments Based on Merit, Others—Presidency Replies Ndume

The federal lawmaker was on Arise TV to express frustration at the “lopsided appointments” by Mr Tinubu, warning that it could backfire when least expected.

According to him, the President has consistently breached the federal character in the Nigerian Constitution, which made provision for appointments to be spread across the states and regions.

“The figures are there. You can look at the figures. I sent you one. I sent you figures. It’s not that I’m just making accusations. It’s not that I’m saying, well, the president has no right to do that kind of thing, it’s a constitutional provision. Section 13, I mean, Section 14 (3) of the constitution is very, very clear.

“When you look at it vis-a-vis the appointments made so far, and there are political appointments, the constitution is very clear.

“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.

“All I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that it can be corrected; otherwise, you know, these things can boomerang at a certain period of time,” Mr Ndume said.

But while responding, the spokesman of the President, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the outburst of the Senator reeked hypocrisy and selective perception, emphasising that the appointments are “based on merit, integrity, geographical spread.”

“While the Borno senator grandstanded as a moral authority on equity, he forgot to tell his interviewer that two of his kinsmen featured in recent NNPC Limited top appointments. The Chairman, appointed by President Tinubu, is from Ndume’s senatorial district. If Tinubu and his surrogates’ choices are so tribal, how did two of Ndume’s kinsmen clinch NNPC’s top roles?” the presidency queried in a statement.

Mr Onanuga noted that as a politician, Mr Ndume has proven time and time again that he is allergic to facts and addicted to theatrics.

“His habit of firing half-baked criticisms—only to be contradicted by facts—proves he’s more interested in headline-chasing, rabble rousing, stoking divisive narratives than offering constructive criticism,” he said.

Mr said President Tinubu remains deeply committed to fostering a government that embraces all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional affiliations.

“He aims to harness our nation’s diverse strengths to achieve a common goal: building a prosperous Nigeria.

“The President’s appointments are—and will continue to be—based on merit, integrity, geographical spread and a demonstrable capacity to serve the Nigerian people, not Ndume’s cherry-picked tribal arithmetic.

“We urge Ndume to elevate public discourse and avoid misinformation and baseless criticism. This is a disservice to the nation and the behaviour least expected from a Nigerian Senator,” he added.