Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Senate, has stated that he did not join other All Progressives Congress (APC) members in supporting President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Ndume, known for his criticisms of Tinubu, shared his views during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics show.
He warned Tinubu not to rely too heavily on the backing of APC governors, drawing parallels with a similar scenario before the 2015 elections when 22 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed President Goodluck Jonathan.
Ndume noted that despite the support of the 22 PDP governors, Jonathan was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari, the APC’s candidate at the time.
Back in May, 22 governors from the APC declared their endorsement of Tinubu as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 polls.
Further commenting on the endorsement, Ndume explained that he was present at the Presidential Villa but did not agree with the governors’ decision to back Tinubu.
“Things are very bad in the country; Nigerians cannot see any hope; they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” Ndume said.
“I was there, but that was not why I was there; I was there for a summit, and when I realised that it was not a summit and a voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left, and that does not mean I am not an APC member. The majority had its way, but few of us felt that was not right.”
“It happened before, not once, not twice. It happened during Jonathan. That does not mean anything. Politicians are decamping, but the people who are the voters are not decamping.”
“I hope that he would look back historically and see that the gathering of people to endorse you does not mean anything.”
“Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him, like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully.”
“A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted, but we are not learning our lessons. I pity Mr President.”
