A fresh wave of controversy has hit the Presidency as the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, has accused top officials within Aso Rock of demanding bribes from individuals — including senior government functionaries — seeking access to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the explosive allegation during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, claiming that the seat of power has been hijacked by what he called “kakistocrats” — people he described as the least qualified and most corrupt.
“I don’t have access to the President. The only time I see him is when he’s attending an event,” Ndume lamented. “That’s how they run the government — it’s dominated by kakistocrats, people who are the least qualified or most corrupt. If you want to see the President, they’ll ask you how much you’re willing to pay.”
The senator’s remarks come amid growing public concern about the widening communication gap between President Tinubu and key political stakeholders, including federal lawmakers, governors, and party chieftains.
Ndume said he has personally struggled to reach the President despite multiple official requests, alleging that aides and intermediaries at the Villa deliberately block communication to enrich themselves.
“I wrote to them, requesting a meeting with the President to discuss some financial matters, but they kept playing games as if they want you to go to heaven first,” he said. “It’s frustrating and embarrassing.”
The lawmaker, known for his outspoken nature, also hinted that the system around President Tinubu has become increasingly exclusionary, warning that the situation could undermine governance and erode public confidence.
“The President is being surrounded by people who don’t want him to hear the truth. Those of us who supported him, who are supposed to offer advice, can’t even reach him,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has not issued an official response to the senator’s claims.
Some Nigerians on social media say Ndume’s allegations underscore long-standing fears that powerful gatekeepers within Aso Rock may be exploiting their proximity to the President for personal gain — a problem that has haunted successive administrations in Nigeria.
If substantiated, the revelations could trigger fresh calls for a probe into the alleged “pay-to-see” culture within the Presidential Villa — a scandal that, observers warn, could deepen perceptions of corruption in Tinubu’s government.
