Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno South, says President Bola Tinubu succeeded as governor of Lagos State because he worked with competent and experienced people, many of whom he claims have now been sidelined.

Ndume made the remarks on Wednesday during a media interaction, where he reflected on Tinubu’s leadership style as Lagos governor.

“The president had good people around him when he was the governor of Lagos; that was why he succeeded,” Ndume said. “Most of those good people are no longer there. They have been sidelined.”

The senator criticised some of the president’s current aides, describing them as disconnected from Nigeria’s political and social realities.

“He picked people who don’t know anybody,” Ndume said. “They only know Ikoyi and Victoria Island, and from there they fly to London or America, where their families are living.”

According to him, such advisers lack a deep understanding of Nigerian politics and grassroots realities.

“These people don’t understand politics,” he said, adding that they are detached from the everyday experiences of Nigerians.

Ndume also warned that President Tinubu’s focus on winning the next election must be balanced with addressing growing public dissatisfaction, particularly in northern Nigeria.

“As a politician who has gone through it all, Mr President is strategising to win elections, but you can only win when you are acceptable to the people,” he said.

He dismissed claims that there is no discontent in the north, describing them as untrue.

“Anyone who tells you that the north is not grumbling now is not speaking the truth,” Ndume said, noting that the dissatisfaction would be reflected at the polls if left unaddressed.

“It will be loud in their votes if nothing is done about it,” he added.

The former Senate Leader, however, said the president still has an opportunity to reverse the situation.

“The good thing is that the president can still change things and turn them around,” he said.

Ndume further disclosed that northern elders had previously met with Tinubu to raise concerns.

“I was part of the meeting — the first and the last — where northern elders met with the president,” he said.

According to him, Tinubu promised continued engagement with northern political leaders during the meeting, but the commitment was not sustained.