Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against what he described as “kakistocrats” within the Presidency, warning that their continued influence could undermine the administration.
Ndume made the remarks while reacting to the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council and broader concerns about the competence of some officials working around the President.
Ndume criticises officials around Tinubu
The senator said his major concern was not President Tinubu personally but the people surrounding him.
According to Ndume, some officials in the Presidency lack the competence required to effectively support the President and are contributing to controversies and setbacks within the administration.
He cited recent issues involving a government agency and the suspension of a permanent secretary as examples of what he described as weaknesses in the system.
Ndume acknowledged Tinubu’s decision to allow investigations into the matter but argued that stronger preventive measures were necessary.
He maintained that capable officials should be able to identify and prevent such problems before they become public controversies.
Senator questions APC campaign council
Ndume also questioned the structure of the APC’s 2027 presidential campaign organisation, particularly the decision to make President Tinubu the chairman.
He argued that the APC national leadership should take responsibility for presenting the achievements of the Tinubu administration to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election.
In his view, the President should remain the candidate being promoted rather than personally leading the campaign machinery.
Ndume suggested that the controversy surrounding the campaign council’s formation raised questions about whether the President had been fully involved in the process.
‘My concern is about Nigerian politics’
The Borno South senator said his criticism was not motivated by personal or partisan interests.
He stressed that his concern was about strengthening Nigeria’s political system and ensuring that government operates effectively.
Ndume said he knows President Tinubu personally but believes the administration needs to address problems within its own ranks if it wants to improve its performance and public perception.
Ndume defends subsidy removal but acknowledges hardship
The senator also spoke about the controversial removal of the petrol subsidy.
While describing the decision to remove the subsidy as necessary, Ndume acknowledged that the policy has contributed to significant hardship for many Nigerians.
He said the President had recognised the economic difficulties facing citizens and promised that the situation would eventually improve.
However, Ndume warned that prolonged hardship could become a major political challenge for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senator criticises presidential spokespersons
Ndume further accused some presidential aides and spokespersons of worsening the government’s public image by responding to criticism with personal attacks.
He urged government representatives to focus on the substance of criticisms rather than attacking those who raise concerns.
According to him, when critics raise questions about government policies or the political system, spokespersons should respond to the specific issues and explain the administration’s position.
What Ndume’s comments mean for Tinubu
Ndume’s intervention highlights growing debate within the ruling APC over the performance of the Tinubu administration as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
His comments combine criticism of government appointments, concerns about economic hardship and questions about the APC’s campaign strategy.
For the administration, the challenge will be to demonstrate that its economic reforms are producing tangible improvements while also addressing concerns about governance and the effectiveness of officials around the President.
OnPointGist will continue to follow the political debate ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
