Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has accused top aides and officials working in Aso Rock of demanding bribes before allowing people to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ndume made the serious allegations during an interview on Arise Television while discussing Nigeria’s current political and diplomatic situation. The senator claimed that only those willing to pay certain individuals within the Presidential Villa can gain access to the president, describing the situation as “unacceptable and shameful.”
“I don’t have a chance to see the president. The only time I can see him is when he is going to an event,” Ndume said. “This is how they run the government. I’m telling you, they don’t have people there. The government is dominated by kakistocrats. If you want to see the president, they will ask you how much.”
The senator’s remarks have stirred public concern about alleged corruption within the corridors of power. His statement adds to growing worries about transparency and access under the Tinubu administration.
According to Senator Ndume, officials close to President Tinubu act as gatekeepers, blocking access to the president and using their positions for personal gain. The lawmaker described how he had tried unsuccessfully to meet with the president to discuss financial matters but was repeatedly frustrated by aides who allegedly demanded money or delayed the process.
“I wrote to them that I wanted to see the president to discuss some financial issues, but they were playing games, as if they want you to go to heaven first,” he said.
The senator said it was unfortunate that people elected by Nigerians to serve their interests could no longer directly engage with the president. He described the situation as a dangerous sign that disconnects the president from the realities facing ordinary citizens and lawmakers.
Ndume’s use of the term “kakistocrats” — meaning government by the least qualified or most unprincipled people — highlights his frustration with the current administration’s inner circle.
“They don’t have competent people there,” he added. “Those managing access to the president are only interested in what they can get, not in helping him succeed.”
Senator Ali Ndume, a senior lawmaker from Borno State, is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a long-time ally of President Tinubu. Known for his bluntness, Ndume has often spoken out against both his party and government policies when he believes things are not going well.
He previously served as the Senate Majority Whip and has represented Borno South for several terms. Despite being part of the APC-led government, Ndume has repeatedly criticized what he calls the “disconnect between the presidency and the people.”
Ndume has also been a key voice on issues related to national security, particularly the fight against Boko Haram in the North-East. His region has been heavily affected by insurgency, and he has often accused federal authorities of neglecting the plight of his constituents.
In the past, Ndume has called for better coordination between the National Assembly and the presidency to address pressing national challenges. His latest comments, however, suggest a growing frustration with the inner workings of the executive arm under President Tinubu.
Ndume’s allegations have sparked widespread reactions across political and public circles. Some Nigerians on social media have applauded his courage for speaking out, while others have questioned why a senior senator from the ruling party would go public instead of addressing the issue internally.
Several opposition figures have also seized on Ndume’s statement as proof of corruption and mismanagement within the Tinubu administration. Political analysts say the senator’s comments may further strain relations between the presidency and some lawmakers in the National Assembly.
However, as of press time, the presidency has not officially responded to Ndume’s allegations. Efforts by journalists to reach officials in the State House for comments were unsuccessful.
A senior aide who spoke on condition of anonymity reportedly dismissed Ndume’s claims as “baseless,” insisting that the president maintains open communication with lawmakers and government officials through official channels.
Nonetheless, the allegations come at a time when Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by economic hardship, rising cost of living, and growing insecurity. Many citizens have accused the government of being out of touch with the people, and Ndume’s comments appear to echo that sentiment.
During the interview, Ndume warned that isolating the president from those who elected him could have grave consequences for governance. He said a government cannot succeed when access to the leader is controlled by corrupt gatekeepers whose main interest is money.
“When you surround the president with people who only think about what they can get, they will mislead him,” he said. “That’s why we are not making progress. Those around him should open the door to Nigerians, not close it.”
He urged President Tinubu to personally look into the matter and ensure that his office remains accessible to lawmakers, traditional rulers, and citizens who have genuine issues to discuss.
“The president should open his eyes. He is a good man, but those around him are making things difficult,” Ndume stated.
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, his administration has faced mounting criticism over economic and political challenges. The removal of fuel subsidy, naira devaluation, and rising inflation have sparked widespread public discontent.
Many Nigerians feel that government officials are disconnected from the hardship facing the people. Ndume’s latest revelation reinforces perceptions that powerful aides and advisers are controlling access to the president and may be preventing him from hearing the truth about conditions in the country.
This is not the first time allegations of gatekeeping and bribery have surfaced in Nigeria’s political history. Past administrations, including those of Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, also faced similar accusations of aides controlling access to the president for financial gain.
However, Ndume’s claim is particularly significant because it comes from a serving senator in the ruling party who has supported the president in the past.
Following Ndume’s comments, civil society groups and political commentators have called for greater transparency in how access to the presidency is managed. Some have urged the National Assembly to investigate the claims, while others say the president should personally address the issue to maintain public trust.
