Presidency Fires Back: “Ndume’s Claims Are Reckless and Baseless”

The Presidency has lashed out at Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, describing his recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s administration as reckless, unguarded, and devoid of credibility.

Ndume, a former Chief Whip of the Senate, had claimed during a television interview that a cabal has hijacked the Tinubu administration and accused it of being overrun by kleptocrats and kakistocrats—terms he used to suggest widespread corruption and incompetence.

But in a swift and scathing rebuttal, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the senator’s allegations as fact-free and inflammatory rhetoric.

“Ndume is entitled to his opinion, but he often gets his facts wrong or builds his arguments on shaky foundations,” Onanuga said. “His recent remarks are no different. They don’t command the respect of any reasonable person.”

Onanuga accused Ndume of habitually making unverified claims, citing a past falsehood where he allegedly said former Army Chief, General Buratai, was ambushed by terrorists.

“This is not principled opposition; it’s reckless speculation. And the senator’s use of the word ‘kakistocrats’ suggests he’s more interested in sounding sensational than in offering solutions,” Onanuga said.

The Presidency firmly rejected Ndume’s narrative, defending President Tinubu’s team as a group of “capable and accomplished professionals” working to stabilize and grow the economy.

“This administration includes individuals who were already successful before entering public service. They are doing a damn good job of reengineering the economy,” Onanuga stated.

According to him, the results are visible:

• Rising foreign direct investment

• A booming stock market

• Increased corporate profits

• Foreign reserves now six times what Tinubu inherited

• Improved revenue allocation to states

Onanuga also pushed back on the suggestion that the President is disconnected from public sentiment.

“President Tinubu understands the hardship Nigerians are facing. He consistently empathizes with the people and has assured them that relief is coming. Measures to address high food and medicine costs are underway, alongside expanded social intervention programmes.”

Onanuga concluded by calling on Ndume to “raise criticisms with facts, not drama.”