BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed strong reservations over the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors. Speaking during an interview, the senior lawmaker said he found the move premature and disconnected from the current realities in Nigeria.
Ndume, a prominent member of the APC and veteran of the National Assembly since 2003, said he walked out of the event at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall after realizing that it was turning into a political endorsement rather than the summit he was invited for.
“I was at the venue for a summit,” he clarified. “But when it turned into a voice vote to back the President for re-election, I quietly left. That doesn’t mean I’m no longer APC, but I didn’t agree with the process.”
Citing historical precedent, Ndume recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan, despite receiving the endorsement of 22 PDP governors in 2015, still lost the election to Muhammadu Buhari.
“Jonathan’s endorsement didn’t save him. Endorsements by politicians don’t guarantee public support. The real power lies with the voters, and they are not fooled by political gatherings,” he said.
He further expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, rising cost of living, and ongoing insecurity. According to him, many Nigerians are losing faith in the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“Things are very bad. People are suffering. The masses can’t see any improvement, and we’re endorsing re-election already? That’s why I say I pity Mr President. He must learn from history,” he said.
Ndume has served six terms in the National Assembly, starting in the House of Representatives in 2003 and continuing as Senator for Borno South since 2011.
