“I Pity Mr President” – Senator Ali Ndume Distances Himself from APC Governors’ Endorsement of Tinubu for 2027

Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has disassociated himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office by 22 governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that such gestures mean little if they do not reflect the will of ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, June 8, the veteran lawmaker expressed deep concern over the country’s worsening economic situation and said the current hardship faced by Nigerians should take precedence over political declarations.

“I was there but that was not why I was there,” Ndume said, referring to the meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the endorsement was made. “I was there for a summit. When I realised that it was not a summit and a voice vote was being taken for the endorsement of Mr President, I just left.”

Ndume stressed that while he remains a loyal member of the APC, he could not align himself with what he viewed as political theatrics in a time of national distress. “The majority had its way, but a few of us felt that was not right,” he added.

He drew parallels between Tinubu’s endorsement and a similar scenario in 2015, when 22 governors of the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for re-election. Despite the backing, Jonathan lost the election to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.

“That does not mean anything,” Ndume insisted. “Politicians are decamping, but the people who are the voters are not decamping.”

Referencing the 2015 elections, he warned that political endorsements without grassroots support have historically proven ineffective. “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,” he lamented. “I pity Mr President.”

Ndume also spoke candidly about the realities of life under the current administration, pointing out that the average Nigerian is struggling with high food prices, insecurity, and dwindling hope.

“Nigerians cannot see any hope. They are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he said, referring to President Tinubu’s 2023 campaign mantra.

Ali Ndume, a six-term federal lawmaker, has been in the National Assembly since 2003. He first served two terms in the House of Representatives representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency before moving to the Senate in 2011, where he has represented Borno South to date.

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