The Presidency has responded to recent comments made by Senator Ali Ndume regarding alleged lopsided appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the senator’s claims as “hypocritical” and “misleading.”

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made the remarks following Ndume’s appearance on national television, where the Borno South Senator accused the Tinubu administration of favouring certain regions in federal appointments.

In a statement issued on Monday, Onanuga said Ndume’s criticism “reeks of hypocrisy and selective perception,” pointing out that two of the senator’s kinsmen were recently appointed to top positions at NNPC Limited.

“The Chairman of the Board of NNPC, appointed by President Tinubu, hails from Ndume’s own senatorial district,” he noted.

“If the President’s appointments were truly tribal, how did two individuals from Ndume’s region clinch such critical roles?”

Onanuga further described the senator’s comments as a continuation of his pattern of “firing half-baked criticisms,” accusing him of prioritising theatrics over facts.

“Ndume has repeatedly demonstrated an allergy to facts and an addiction to headline-chasing and divisive narratives, rather than offering constructive criticism,” he said.

He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance, emphasizing that appointments under the current administration are based on merit, integrity, national spread, and competence.

“President Tinubu remains focused on building a government that reflects the diversity of Nigeria, with the aim of achieving a prosperous and united nation,” Onanuga stated.

The Presidency called on Senator Ndume to refrain from spreading misinformation and to contribute positively to national discourse. “This is a disservice to the nation and unbecoming of a Nigerian Senator,” the statement concluded.