A fresh political debate has emerged over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently submitted ambassadorial nomination list, as former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has called for its immediate withdrawal over what he described as “flagrant violations” of the Federal Character principle guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution. Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, issued the call on Saturday in a strongly worded statement that has triggered nationwide interest and revived concerns about the equitable allocation of federal appointments.
The controversy began on Thursday, December 4, when the Senate received the list of both career and non-career ambassadorial nominees from the President. The list was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, for screening and legislative consideration.
However, before the screening exercise could commence, Ndume publicly faulted the composition of the nominees, alleging that the distribution was “lopsided, imbalanced, and inconsistent with the constitutional provisions designed to protect Nigeria’s unity in diversity.”
Ndume argued that the list did not reflect the spirit of Section 14(3) of the Constitution, which mandates that the composition of the federal government and its agencies must reflect the federal character of the country. The section aims to ensure that no state, ethnic group, or geopolitical zone is disproportionately represented in a manner that suggests domination or marginalisation.
The senator observed that while some states had as many as three or four nominees, others—including Gombe State—were completely excluded. This exclusion, Ndume said, “raises serious constitutional and moral questions about fairness and representation.”
He further pointed out that Yobe State had only one nominee, Senator Adamu Garba Talba, who died in July 2025. According to Ndume, the vacancy created by Talba’s passing was not filled, leaving the state underrepresented in the new list.
In the case of the North East geopolitical zone, Ndume explained that the entire region received only seven slots, a figure he described as grossly inadequate given the number of states and the need for proportional distribution. He added that other geopolitical zones appeared to have received far more favourable allocations, thereby reinforcing perceptions of marginalisation.
Ndume argued that the imbalance violates the Constitution’s clear requirement that federal appointments promote national unity. He warned that ignoring the Federal Character principle could deepen ethnic suspicion and fuel tension in a country already grappling with political, economic, and security challenges.
“At this critical time in the life of his administration, President Tinubu must avoid decisions that could fuel ethnic tension or breed distrust,” Ndume said. “The Federal Character principle is not a suggestion—it is a constitutional mandate, and any deviation from it undermines the legitimacy of the entire appointment process.”
The senator noted that equitable distribution of federal positions is particularly important in sensitive appointments such as ambassadorial postings, which represent Nigeria before foreign governments. According to him, such positions must reflect Nigeria’s multiethnic composition in order to project an image of national balance and unity on the global stage.
Ndume urged President Tinubu to immediately withdraw the list and submit a new one that better reflects fairness, equity, and constitutional compliance. He noted that the President’s leadership style in the past had shown recognition of Nigeria’s diversity, and therefore expected that the current anomaly would be corrected.
“I appeal to him to withdraw the list and present a fresh set of nominees that align with the spirit of the Constitution,” Ndume insisted. “The President is a cosmopolitan leader, and I believe he will act in the best interest of the nation by ensuring fairness to all states and geopolitical zones.”
His call has sparked conversation among political analysts, civil society organisations, and stakeholders across Nigeria’s diplomatic community. Many observers believe Ndume’s intervention may prompt broader scrutiny within the Senate as lawmakers begin screening the nominees.
The ambassadorial nomination list marks one of the most significant diplomatic decisions yet taken by the Tinubu administration since assuming office in May 2023. Ambassadorial positions are critical in shaping foreign policy direction, strengthening bilateral relations, and driving Nigeria’s global presence.
However, critics argue that the appointment process risks becoming controversial if questions of imbalance are not addressed. Some analysts note that federal appointments have historically been a contentious issue in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly when regions perceive themselves as sidelined.
The Tinubu administration has pledged commitment to equity and inclusiveness. Yet, public commentary on the ambassadorial list suggests that these ideals are being closely scrutinised by both political allies and opponents.
While Ndume has been the most vocal critic of the ambassadorial list so far, other lawmakers from the North East and North Central zones have privately expressed concern about the distribution. Sources within the National Assembly indicate that some senators may raise constitutional questions when screening begins, potentially delaying confirmation of some nominees.
However, supporters of the nomination list argue that ambassadorial postings involve several considerations, including seniority within the diplomatic corps, vacancies in foreign missions, and the need for experienced career diplomats who can represent the nation effectively.
They maintain that the presidency may have prioritised competence and continuity rather than political balancing. Nonetheless, Ndume and others insist that competence and federal character must go hand in hand, not one at the expense of the other.
With screening set to begin in the coming days, the Senate now faces the prospect of navigating a politically sensitive issue that touches on constitutional obligations, national unity, and the trust of citizens. Should the President withdraw the list as Ndume suggests, it would reset the process and provide an opportunity to address perceived shortcomings.
On the other hand, if the Presidency chooses to stand by the current list, senators may be compelled to make a constitutional judgment during screening, potentially leading to open debate on the floor of the Senate.
As the conversation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how both arms of government handle the controversy and whether the matter will be resolved in a way that strengthens public confidence in the fairness and transparency of federal appointments.
