Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has criticised the close aides of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the issue is not the President himself but the advisers surrounding him. Speaking on ARISE Television, Ndume said many of these aides lack political depth and meaningful grassroots connection.
According to him, growing dissatisfaction is being felt across the North, and this could carry serious electoral consequences if urgent action is not taken. He stressed that denying the frustration would be ignoring an obvious reality, warning that “it will be loud in the votes” if current concerns are not addressed.
Ndume noted that northern leaders had made efforts to engage the President constructively. He personally took part in meetings between Tinubu and northern elders, describing the discussions as productive and promising. However, he expressed regret that the dialogue process stalled shortly after, despite assurances that it would continue.
The senator compared the present situation to Tinubu’s time as governor of Lagos State, when he was surrounded by strong and capable advisers. He suggested that many of those experienced individuals have now been sidelined, replaced by people disconnected from Nigeria’s broader political landscape.
He also criticised some presidential aides for what he described as elitist isolation from the everyday realities of Nigerians. This distance, he implied, may prevent the President from receiving honest and grounded advice about the country’s situation.
In closing, Ndume warned that unless these concerns—especially those coming from the North—are addressed, dissatisfaction could deepen and become clearly visible at the polls in future elections.
