As the 2027 presidential election approaches, Borno South Senator Ali Ndume has issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: he should be worried if his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, is not aligned with him.
In a recent interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Ndume, who has been a vocal critic of the current administration, characterized Buhari’s followership—particularly in the North—as “occultic.” He acknowledged that while Buhari’s popularity has waned after eight years in power, the former president remains a significant figure among the masses.
“Buhari’s followership has diminished naturally,” Ndume stated. “It’s different when you are not in power. Of course, his popularity has decreased, but you can’t write him off, especially with the Northern populace. The loyalty to Buhari is almost inexplicable.”
He elaborated, “If Buhari were to visit now, you would see crowds rushing to see him. Even those in the vegetable market would flock to him. Buhari still holds sway with the Talakawas.”
Ndume emphasized the importance of numbers in politics, saying, “Tinubu should be worried if Buhari is not on his side. Every vote counts, and while Buhari has just one vote, he still carries weight. Tinubu should also consider my position, because I have one vote for him, but he does not have a vote for me.”
Ndume’s remarks come shortly after notable visits to Buhari by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other key opposition figures at Buhari’s residence in Kaduna.
