In a striking declaration, Borno South Senator Ali Ndume has openly dissociated himself from recent moves by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office. Speaking candidly on national television, Senator Ndume criticised the political theatre surrounding the endorsement, stating that Nigeria is currently facing immense challenges and that hope among citizens is rapidly fading.
While many in the APC have thrown their support behind Tinubu’s re-election bid for 2027, Ndume made it clear he was not among them.
Senator Ndume also clarified that he had initially attended an APC summit, believing it to be a forum for strategic discussions. However, upon realising that the event was primarily orchestrated to endorse President Tinubu’s re-election, which he promptly exited in protest.
“I was there for a summit, not a political endorsement. Once I understood the true purpose, I left,” Ndume explained.
Sen. Ndume further drew attention to historical precedents where endorsements failed to translate into electoral victories. He referenced the 2015 general election when former President Goodluck Jonathan received the backing of 22 governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) a significant show of force. Yet, despite this apparent support, Jonathan lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
“History shows that endorsements don’t equate to votes. The people voters are what truly matter,” he emphasised.
According to Ndume, ordinary Nigerians are growing increasingly disillusioned with the current state of affairs under President Tinubu’s administration. Despite ongoing political manoeuvring and high-profile defections to the APC, public sentiment remains largely negative.
Sen. Ndume pointed out that while politicians may be jumping ship to the ruling party, the voters are not following suit. This disconnect, he warned, is a dangerous oversight that could have dire consequences at the ballot box.
“Politicians are singing praises, but the people are suffering. The hardship is real, and there’s no visible improvement,” Ndume said.
He stressed that the APC-led government under Tinubu launched its administration with the campaign slogan “Renewed Hope.” However, according to Ndume, this message is rapidly losing credibility among the public. Many Nigerians, he said, see no signs of hope and are beginning to question the government’s sincerity and effectiveness.
“the current administration needs to listen to the people, address their grievances, and implement real change if it hopes to earn genuine public support ahead of the next election” Ndume advised.
In his closing remarks Sen. Ndume urged president Tinubu to reflect on historical lessons and avoid putting undue faith in orchestrated shows of support.
“I pity Mr President if he thinks endorsements can win elections. They didn’t work for Jonathan, and they won’t work now if the people aren’t convinced.”
Ndume stressed that spending large sums on endorsements, rallies, and political events without addressing the root causes of citizens’ frustration is a futile exercise. He called for genuine governance, not political theatre.
