By Our Correspondent
Senator Ali Ndume has raised fresh concerns about the quality of officials surrounding President Bola Tinubu, warning that the administration could continue to suffer avoidable setbacks and embarrassment if stronger action is not taken.
The Borno South senator made the remarks while speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Ndume’s comments followed the reported discovery of allegedly fake government agencies operating within the Presidency, a development that has triggered questions about administrative oversight and the effectiveness of government institutions.
The senator argued that the situation was evidence of deeper problems within the President’s circle and urged Tinubu to take a closer look at the people entrusted with sensitive responsibilities.
“President Tinubu has too many kakistocrats that dominate the Presidency. Unless he does something about it, they will keep messing him up,” Ndume said.
The word “kakistocrats” is commonly used to describe people considered unsuitable or poorly qualified for positions of authority.
Ndume said the reported existence of fake agencies operating with offices had raised serious questions about how such organisations could function within the government environment without being detected earlier.
“It is now a known thing that Nigeria has fake agencies that operate with offices. If the President had capable hands, all these mess and embarrassments wouldn’t be happening,” he added.
The senator’s criticism comes after the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, reportedly uncovered allegedly fake organisations, including the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.
The development has generated concerns about the level of monitoring and verification within government ministries, departments and agencies.
Ndume also referred to investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, saying the investigations had uncovered additional issues within the administration.
According to the senator, the suspension of some Permanent Secretaries in the Presidency following the developments further demonstrated the need for stronger administrative controls.
He expressed disappointment that, despite the controversies, he believes the President has not taken sufficient action to address what he considers the root of the problem.
Ndume’s latest comments add to his growing list of criticisms of the Tinubu administration, even though he remains a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The senator has repeatedly called for greater competence, accountability and effectiveness in government, arguing that the success of any president depends significantly on the quality of people appointed to key positions.
For Ndume, the latest controversy should serve as a warning to the administration that stronger mechanisms are needed to prevent individuals or organisations from exploiting the name and structures of government.
The senator’s remarks are likely to intensify the ongoing political debate over the performance of the Tinubu administration, particularly as attention increasingly turns toward the 2027 general elections.
Beyond the political arguments, the controversy has also renewed calls for greater transparency in the management of public institutions and stronger systems for identifying fraudulent organisations operating under the guise of government agencies.
As the administration continues to defend its policies and pursue its reform agenda, Ndume believes President Tinubu must ensure that competent and trustworthy officials are placed in positions where they can effectively implement government programmes.
The senator’s central message is clear: unless the President strengthens his team and takes decisive action against administrative failures, he risks facing more controversies that could undermine public confidence in his government.
Ndume’s comments have already sparked reactions across political circles, with Nigerians divided over whether the problems highlighted by the senator are primarily caused by the conduct of individual officials or reflect wider institutional weaknesses.
For the Tinubu administration, the challenge now is to demonstrate that the government can strengthen its internal controls, hold erring officials accountable and prevent further incidents that could bring embarrassment to the Presidency.
