Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by 22 governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing concerns over the current state of the nation.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, the senior lawmaker, who has served in the National Assembly for over two decades, warned that such endorsements do not guarantee electoral victory.
He drew parallels with the 2015 general election when former President Goodluck Jonathan, despite being endorsed by 22 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
“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,” Ndume said.
The senator revealed that he walked out of the endorsement event held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on May 22, 2025.
The gathering, initially billed as a summit, culminated in a voice vote by APC governors endorsing Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
“I was there but that was not why I was there; I was there for a summit. When I realised that it was not a summit and a voice vote was put forward about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left.
That does not mean I am not an APC member. The majority had its way, but a few of us felt that was not right,” he explained.
Ndume expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the country, citing worsening economic conditions, rising cost of living, and growing insecurity.
“Things are very bad in the country. Nigerians cannot see any hope. They are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he added, referencing the Tinubu administration’s signature slogan.
Despite being a high-ranking member of the APC, Ndume emphasized the need for sober reflection rather than political fanfare.
“I hope that he [President Tinubu] would look back historically and see that the gathering of people to endorse you does not mean anything. Politicians are decamping, but the people who are the voters are not decamping.”
Ali Ndume has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics since 2003. He first represented Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2011.
He was later elected to the Senate in 2011 to represent Borno South Senatorial District, a seat he has held to date, making him one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the country.