Presidency replies Senator Ndume, accuses him of spreading misinformation
By Kunle Sanni
The Presidency has hit back at Senator Ali Ndume over his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s appointments, accusing the Borno South lawmaker of “headline-chasing” and spreading misleading narratives for political gain.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement via his X account on Tuesday, said Senator Ndume has repeatedly shown he is “allergic to facts and addicted to theatrics.”
This followed the senator’s claims on national television that Tinubu’s appointments have been lopsided and regionally skewed.
In an interview on Arise TV, Ndume also criticized President Tinubu, saying his appointments violate Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution and go against the unity and inclusivity promised under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Onanuga described Ndume’s comments as hypocritical, pointing out that the senator failed to mention that two of his kinsmen were recently appointed to top positions in NNPC Limited — one of them, the Chairman, is from Ndume’s senatorial district.
“If Tinubu’s appointments were truly tribal, as Ndume suggests, how did two individuals from his region secure such critical roles?” Onanuga queried. “Ndume’s habit of making half-baked criticisms—only to be contradicted by facts—proves he’s more interested in rabble-rousing and divisive narratives than offering any form of constructive engagement.”
He added that President Tinubu remains committed to building a united and prosperous Nigeria, with appointments guided by merit, integrity, competence, and broad national representation.
“President Tinubu’s vision is to unify the country and harness its diversity, not to engage in the cherry-picked tribal arithmetic Ndume is pushing,” the statement said.
Onanuga further urged Senator Ndume to refrain from spreading misinformation and rise above politics that threaten national cohesion.
“This kind of behavior is a disservice to the nation and unbecoming of someone who holds a seat in the Nigerian Senate,” he stated.
