Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticized the list of ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate for confirmation. Ndume argues that the composition of the nominees flagrantly violates Nigeria's federal character principle, a constitutional mandate designed to ensure the equitable distribution of government appointments, resources, and opportunities across the nation's diverse ethnic, regional, and religious groups.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Senator Ndume specifically referenced Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution. This section unequivocally states: “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 and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few state or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies.” Ndume emphasized that fair representation in public institutions is crucial for promoting national unity and preventing the dominance of particular states or ethnic groups.

President Tinubu recently forwarded 65 additional nominees for ambassadorial positions to the Senate for screening and confirmation. This list was read during a Thursday plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The nominations comprise 34 individuals designated as career ambassadors and high commissioners, alongside 31 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners. The nominees include notable figures such as former governors, former lawmakers, and a currently serving senator, among other prominent personalities.

However, an analysis of the distribution reveals significant disparities. Some states have received as many as three or four nominees, while Gombe State in the North-east has no representation at all. Yobe State has only one nominee, Senator Adamu Garba Talba, who, as Ndume pointed out, unfortunately died in July, further exacerbating the imbalance for the state. Regionally, the combined list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominees shows the South-west with 15 nominees, the North-west with 13, the North-central with 10, the South-south with 12, and the South-east with 9. The North-east, despite its size, secured only seven slots, highlighting a perceived marginalization.

Senator Ndume has vehemently urged President Tinubu to withdraw the current list and present a revised one that genuinely reflects equity across all six geopolitical zones. He warned that decisions perceived as biased could inflame ethnic tensions and undermine national cohesion, especially at this critical juncture of the administration. Describing President Tinubu as a