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• Ndume says Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees violate Federal Character rules
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• Senator faults unequal state representation, claims Northeast and Gombe excluded
• Warns skewed list could fuel ethnic distrust and undermine national unity
Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately withdraw the newly released list of ambassadorial nominees, warning that it breaches the Federal Character principle as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution.
Ndume made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja, arguing that the composition of the list does not reflect the constitutional requirement for equitable representation across states and geopolitical zones. He cited Section 14(3) of the Constitution, which mandates inclusivity in the structure and operations of government bodies.
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The Senator representing Borno South criticised what he described as an “imbalance” in the nominations, alleging that some states received multiple slots while others were excluded. He noted that while the South-West reportedly has 15 nominees, the North-East has only seven, and Gombe State has no representation at all.
Ndume also pointed out that Yobe State, whose only nominee was Senator Adamu Garba Talba, remains effectively unrepresented following Talba’s death in July.
According to the lawmaker, the skewed distribution goes beyond political optics, warning that such decisions could “undermine national unity and entrench ethnic divisions” if not urgently corrected.
Quoting the constitutional provision, Ndume said:
“The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria… ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups.”
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He appealed directly to President Tinubu, stating:
“My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical time in the life of his administration, he should avoid missteps that would endanger national unity and promote ethnic distrust.”
Ndume added that he believes the President is a “cosmopolitan leader” capable of making adjustments that reflect fairness, equity and inclusion.
He urged the Presidency to present a fresh list that aligns fully with the constitutional expectations on diversity and national balance.
The ambassadorial nominations have sparked public debate since their release, with some Nigerians calling for the withdrawal of figures they deem “controversial” or “politically unsuitable.”
