Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of being dominated by self-serving individuals he described as “kleptocrats” and “kakistocrats.”
Speaking on Politics Today on Sunday, the senator alleged that President Tinubu is surrounded by aides more focused on personal gain than public service. He claimed these officials are misleading the President and damaging his image.
“I see people lying and telling the President what he wants to hear,” Ndume said. “My position is that the people who are supposed to help him are the ones deceiving him or damaging his image.”
He added, “They are unrealistic people. I said it before and I’m not changing my position until they change or the President does something. I still believe the government is more or less dominated by kleptocrats and even kakistocrats.”
Explaining the terms, Ndume said, “Kakistocrats are people holding positions they are not supposed to be in, while kleptocrats are those in politics for personal gain, not public service.”
He also expressed concern that the presidency is out of touch with the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
“The President cannot go out to the streets like myself and know how the people feel. Even outside the villa, they would drive him in tinted glass so he doesn’t even see what is going on,” Ndume said.
While acknowledging that President Tinubu has admitted there is hardship and has appealed for patience, Ndume insisted that the administration remains disconnected from the realities Nigerians face.
The senator, who has increasingly voiced criticism of the current administration, previously accused it of flouting the federal character principle in appointments. He also noted that he has faced backlash from “so-called Tinubu boys” for his outspoken views.
