Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, on Sunday disassociated himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, citing the country’s current economic and security challenges.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ndume—who has been a federal lawmaker since 2003—criticised the premature endorsement, stressing that “things are very bad in the country right now.”
“Nigerians cannot see any hope. They are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he said, referencing the President’s campaign slogan.
Ndume recalled a similar scenario ahead of the 2015 presidential election, when former President Goodluck Jonathan was endorsed by 22 PDP governors but ultimately lost his re-election bid to then-APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari.
“It happened before, not once, not twice. Jonathan had 22 governors endorsing him. What happened? He lost woefully. A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted. But we are not learning our lessons,” Ndume said. “I pity Mr President.”
On May 22, 2025, APC governors unanimously adopted Tinubu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election at an event held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Ndume said he walked out of the gathering once it became clear that the agenda had shifted to a political endorsement.
“I was there, but that was not why I was there,” he explained. “I came for a summit. When I realised it had become about endorsing Mr President via a voice vote, I quietly left. That doesn’t mean I’m no longer an APC member. The majority had its way, but a few of us believed it was inappropriate.”
The senator emphasized that political endorsements mean little without the support of the people.
“Politicians are decamping, but the voters are not. The people matter most. Gathering politicians for an endorsement doesn’t guarantee re-election,” he noted.
Ndume’s remarks come at a time of mounting public frustration over rising inflation, insecurity, and a steep cost of living. His comments reflect a growing undercurrent of dissent within the APC ranks, despite Tinubu’s formal backing by party governors.
A veteran lawmaker, Ndume has served in the National Assembly for over 20 years, first as a two-term member of the House of Representatives (2003–2011), representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, before moving to the Senate in 2011, where he continues to represent Borno South Senatorial District.
