Abuja, June 10, 2025 – The Presidency has launched a scathing attack on Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, branding his recent allegations of a cabal controlling President Bola Tinubu’s administration as baseless and unworthy of attention. The sharp rebuke underscores rising tensions between the executive and the outspoken lawmaker.
In a statement issued Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed Ndume’s claims as lacking substance, asserting that they “hold no value to any right-thinking Nigerian.” Onanuga accused the senator of peddling falsehoods and urged the public to disregard his remarks, emphasizing that President Tinubu remains firmly in charge of the nation’s affairs.
The controversy erupted following Ndume’s appearance on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Sunday, June 3, 2025. During the interview, the senator alleged that a shadowy group of influential figures in Lagos has hijacked the administration, shielding Tinubu from the harsh economic realities facing Nigerians. “The President is not in the picture of what is happening outside the Villa,” Ndume stated, claiming that deceptive aides have created a barrier between Tinubu and the public. He further suggested that the President’s inner circle is misleading him about the administration’s progress in tackling Nigeria’s challenges, including soaring inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.
Ndume, a vocal critic of certain government policies, argued that Tinubu’s administration has struggled to deliver on its “Renewed Hope” campaign promises, pointing to widespread hardship as evidence of misgovernance. “Nigerians are suffering, and the President needs to know the truth,” he said, calling for greater transparency within the corridors of power.
The Presidency, however, rejected Ndume’s narrative as a distortion of reality. Onanuga described the senator’s comments as “reckless” and “divisive,” accusing him of attempting to sow discord for political gain. “Senator Ndume’s allegations are not only unfounded but also an affront to the tireless efforts of President Tinubu to address Nigeria’s challenges,” Onanuga said. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as economic reforms and infrastructure projects, as proof of the administration’s commitment to national progress.
Sources within the Presidency, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that Ndume’s remarks stem from personal frustrations rather than objective critique. They pointed to his history of clashing with the executive, including his removal as Senate Chief Whip in 2024 over similar outspoken criticisms.
The public response to the feud has been mixed. Some Nigerians, grappling with rising living costs, expressed sympathy for Ndume’s views, with social media posts on X echoing concerns about a disconnect between the government and citizens. Others, however, criticized the senator for what they called grandstanding, arguing that his comments undermine national unity.
Analysts say the spat highlights deeper fissures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), as party members navigate the complexities of governance ahead of the 2027 elections. “Ndume’s outspokenness reflects a broader struggle for influence within the APC,” said political commentator Aisha Mohammed. “But the Presidency’s sharp response signals it won’t tolerate dissent that it perceives as destabilizing.”
As the war of words continues, neither side shows signs of backing down. Ndume has yet to respond to the Presidency’s statement, but his allies suggest he remains unapologetic. For now, Nigerians are left watching a high-stakes political drama unfold, with the truth about the administration’s inner workings still a matter of debate.
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