Senator Ali Ndume has accused President Tinubu of violating Nigeria’s constitutional principle of federal character through lopsided appointments. He warns the imbalance could “boomerang” and insists he won’t be silenced. Full explosive interview recap here.
… Constitution Under Threat? Borno Senator Accuses Tinubu of Violating Federal Character Principle
Outspoken Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has raised a storm over what he described as “dangerous lopsidedness” in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political appointments, accusing the administration of blatantly violating the federal character principle enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
Speaking during a candid interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, Ndume did not hold back in criticizing the President’s pattern of appointments, describing them as “unconstitutional, unfair, and politically risky.”
“Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution clearly mandates that appointments must reflect the federal character of Nigeria. The figures are there—I sent you figures. This is not just Ndume talking emotionally; the facts are already circulating widely,” the senator emphasized.
Ndume, a ranking legislator and influential voice in the National Assembly, warned that failure to address these alleged infractions could have dangerous consequences for the unity of the country. He urged President Tinubu to act fast to correct what he called a constitutional oversight before it “boomerangs.”
“All I’m doing is calling the President’s attention to the clear breach. If not addressed, it could trigger national resentment,” he warned.
Although Ndume emphasized that his remarks were not a personal attack on the President, he maintained that his primary loyalty lies with the Constitution and the Nigerian people.
“We in the National Assembly took an oath to hold the executive accountable. It is not personal. I have a constitutional duty to speak out against any form of imbalance that threatens our national cohesion.”
He also anticipated political backlash from what he called “Tinubu’s attack dogs” who, he said, would rather target him than address the core issue he raised.
“After this interview, those maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message. But I’m not scared. As a Nigerian, I have the right to speak and even protest if I must. That right is guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Ndume ended by reminding the public and the presidency that Nigeria’s unity rests on justice, equity, and inclusivity—not on the dominance of one region or group over others.
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