A fresh political drama is unfolding in Nigeria’s political space as Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has publicly lashed out at one of President Bola Tinubu’s top media aides, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, calling him a “Senior Domestic Servant” to the President.
This war of words began after Senator Ndume, a ranking lawmaker from Borno State and a strong voice in the Senate, appeared on Arise Television earlier in the week. During the interview, Ndume voiced strong concerns about what he described as lopsided appointments in President Tinubu’s government. He alleged that some regions, particularly the North, were being sidelined in key government positions, despite their support for Tinubu during the 2023 elections.
Ndume, known for his outspokenness, warned that the imbalance in appointments could lead to frustration and discontent, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions.
But the response from the Presidency came swiftly — and sharply.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, fired back at Senator Ndume in a public statement, accusing him of being “hypocritical” and “selective” in his criticism. Onanuga argued that Ndume had been a supporter of the Tinubu administration and had benefitted from the political structure that brought it into power. He also suggested that Ndume’s recent criticism was more personal than objective.
Not one to back down, Senator Ndume responded during a live interview on Channels Television on Friday. He described Onanuga’s remarks as disrespectful and misplaced. He also launched a personal attack on the presidential aide, questioning his relevance and role in Tinubu’s administration.
“He (Onanuga) is only two years older than me, yet he talks as if he knows it all,” Ndume said. “He has ended up as a domestic staff to the President – a Senior Domestic Servant.”
Ndume went further to say that Onanuga’s role is not one of a serious policymaker or decision-maker in government but rather someone whose job is to defend the president’s every move, regardless of whether it is right or wrong.
This public exchange between two key political figures has sparked discussions across the country, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where both men hold influence. Ndume, a former Senate Majority Leader, has long been seen as one of the few Northern politicians who stood firmly by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign.
However, since the beginning of Tinubu’s administration in May 2023, there have been growing concerns among Northern leaders and stakeholders over what they describe as the marginalization of the region in federal appointments.
Although Tinubu has appointed several Northerners into his cabinet, critics like Ndume argue that the most strategic and sensitive roles, including key security and economic positions, are dominated by individuals from the South-West, Tinubu’s home region.
Senator Ndume is no stranger to controversy. Throughout his political career, he has consistently spoken out on issues affecting the North, especially the insecurity that has plagued Borno and other parts of the North-East due to the Boko Haram insurgency. His frank approach has won him both admirers and critics within and outside his party.
On the other hand, Bayo Onanuga is a seasoned journalist and long-time ally of President Tinubu. He played a critical role in the media strategy that helped the APC win the 2023 elections. His appointment as a media adviser was seen as a reward for loyalty, but his aggressive defense of the president has also drawn criticism from some quarters who believe he sometimes goes too far.
The ongoing exchange between Ndume and Onanuga may seem like a personal clash, but it points to deeper tensions within the ruling party. It raises concerns about how internal criticisms are handled and whether dissenting voices within the APC are being silenced or ridiculed.
Observers believe that for President Tinubu to maintain unity within the APC and keep the loyalty of Northern politicians who were instrumental in his victory, he must find a way to balance regional interests in governance. Critics argue that dismissing genuine concerns from key Northern figures like Ndume could create rifts that may affect the party’s chances in future elections.
Political analysts also caution that presidential aides like Onanuga should focus more on promoting unity and addressing the content of criticisms rather than resorting to personal attacks that could further divide the party.
Nigeria is a diverse country with over 200 million people spread across six geopolitical zones. Managing this diversity in a way that every region feels represented and heard is crucial for national unity. Appointments into federal positions, especially under a new administration, are often used to measure inclusiveness and fairness.
As such, criticisms like those made by Senator Ndume should not be dismissed lightly. They reflect a broader sentiment within parts of the country that feel left behind or ignored. For a president who campaigned on a promise of national unity and “Renewed Hope,” addressing these concerns should be a top priority.
In the coming days, political watchers will be looking to see if the Tinubu administration will respond constructively to Ndume’s concerns or continue with a defensive posture. Either way, the growing tension within the APC is a sign that all may not be well within the party’s internal structure.
For now, the public war of words between Ndume and Onanuga serves as a reminder that in Nigerian politics, even allies can turn into critics when expectations are not met.
