The Presidency has responded to Senator Ali Ndume’s allegations regarding biased political appointments under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ndume had criticized the Tinubu administration for breaching the federal character principle in its appointments, warning that the issue could have serious consequences if not addressed.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, accused the Borno South lawmaker of hypocrisy and spreading misinformation.
The Presidency dismissed Ndume’s claims, made during an interview, as “selective perception” and “headline-chasing,” pointing out that several key appointments in the current administration include individuals from the senator’s own region.
“Senator Ali Ndume’s latest outburst on about so-called ‘lopsided appointments’ by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reeks of hypocrisy and selective perception.”
Onanuga pointed out that two of Ndume’s kinsmen were recently appointed to top positions in NNPC Limited by President Tinubu, including the Chairman who hails 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 statement queried.
Describing Ndume as a politician “allergic to facts and addicted to theatrics,” the Presidency said his tendency to issue half-baked criticisms only to be contradicted by reality is proof that he is more focused on stirring public sentiment than offering constructive suggestions.
“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.”
Onanuga reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance, stating that appointments are being made based on merit, national spread, and integrity—not ethnic sentiments.
“President Tinubu is 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.”
The Presidency concluded by urging Senator Ndume to raise the level of national conversation, adding that misinformation and divisive rhetoric do not serve the country’s interest.
“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.”