By James Adamu
The former Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Ali Ndume, has made serious allegations of corruption within the Presidential Villa, claiming that officials are demanding payments from people seeking access to President Bola Tinubu.
Senator Ndume, who represents Borno South, stated that a “corrupt and exclusionary system” surrounds the President, preventing many from meeting with him directly.
In an interview with Arise News Channel, the senior lawmaker expressed his personal frustration, revealing that he himself struggles to secure access to the President.
“I don’t have access to the President. The only time I see him is when he’s attending an event,” Ndume said. “That’s how they run the government. It’s dominated by kakistocrats, people who are the least qualified or most corrupt. If you want to see the President, they’ll ask you how much you’re willing to pay.”
The Senator described his own failed attempts to communicate with the President through official channels, alleging that aides create deliberate obstacles.
“I wrote to them, requesting a meeting with the President to discuss some financial matters, but they kept playing games as if they want you to go to heaven first,” he stated, characterising the experience as “frustrating and embarrassing.”
His comments highlight growing concerns about a disconnect between the Presidency and other branches of government.
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