Former Senate Chief Whip and well-known member of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ali Ndume, has openly charged that kleptocrats and kakistocrats have taken over President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The “worst, least qualified, and most unscrupulous citizens” control the government, according to Ndume, and their main goal is robbing public resources rather than helping the Nigerian people.
Ndume stressed in interviews and media appearances that corruption and impunity are rampant in the administration, with officials blatantly stealing while regular Nigerians suffer. He cautioned that the existence of these corrupt groups has left the government, which he once thought would offer fresh hope, aimless and dysfunctional.
Ndume’s remarks have caused significant political ripples, as they come from within the ruling party and represent one of the most direct criticisms of Tinubu’s leadership from an insider. Following his outspoken comments, Ndume was removed from his position as Senate Chief Whip, but he has stood firm, insisting that his criticisms are factual and justified. The presidency has yet to issue an official response, though some aides have dismissed Ndume’s statements as baseless and politically motivated.
Overall, Ndume’s allegations paint a picture of a government beset by corruption and mismanagement, with kleptocrats (those who steal public funds) and kakistocrats (the least qualified and most unscrupulous individuals) controlling the corridors of power, to the detriment of Nigeria’s progress and stability
