Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is being misled by members of his inner circle, warning that some of the president’s aides are not only deceiving him but also harming his public image.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, the senator representing Borno South expressed concern over what he described as growing incompetence and self-interest among those closest to the president.
“I see people lying and telling the president what he wants to hear,” Ndume said.
“The people who are supposed to help him are instead damaging his image.”
Ndume further claimed that Tinubu’s administration has been hijacked by individuals he labelled as “kleptocrats” — those in politics for personal gain — and “kakistocrats” — people occupying roles for which they are unqualified.
“They are unrealistic people,” he stated. “I’ve said it before, and I won’t change my position unless they change or the president acts.
The government is more or less dominated by kleptocrats and kakistocrats.”
Although he declined to mention names, Ndume insisted the consequences of this alleged mismanagement are visible and severe.
He warned that there is a growing disconnect between the presidency and the Nigerian public, particularly regarding the hardship brought on by current economic policies.
“The president doesn’t have the kind of street-level access I do,” he said. “Even when he steps outside the Villa, he’s driven in cars with tinted windows. He doesn’t see what’s happening.”
Ndume acknowledged that President Tinubu is aware of the hardship facing Nigerians and has urged citizens to remain patient.
However, the senator urged the president to listen more closely to lawmakers and officials who maintain close ties with ordinary Nigerians.
“Feedback should come from those who are close to the ground. Things are very bad in the country,” he said.