Senator Ali Ndume, the lawmaker representing Borno South and former Senate Leader, has sent a strong warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning that President Bola Tinubu and the party leadership must not dismiss the rising influence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ndume gave the warning during an appearance on *Channels Television’s Politics Today* on Friday, noting that the political landscape in Nigeria is shifting rapidly.
According to the high-ranking lawmaker, no political challenger should be underestimated, regardless of their current size or standing. He noted that the era of two-party dominance is being challenged by emerging forces that resonate with the electorate.
When asked about President Tinubu’s prospects for a second term, Ndume declined to give a definitive prediction but pointed to the 2023 elections as a historical lesson in political volatility.
He specifically cited the performance of Peter Obi—who the senator linked to the broader movement of third-party platforms like the ADC—as evidence that a mobilized nationwide support base can dismantle established political structures. He suggested that the 2023 “surprise” was a precursor to what could happen in 2027 if the ruling party becomes complacent.
Turning to the security situation in the North-East, Ndume lauded the growing military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. In a bold departure from critics who oppose foreign military presence, the Senator declared that his priority is the safety of his constituents.
“I would personally welcome American troops to my hometown of Gwoza if it would help flush out terrorists,” Ndume stated.
He lamented that insurgents from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have continued to occupy mountainous areas in his constituency, forcing thousands of residents into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. He argued that total security is the only way to allow these communities to return to their ancestral homes and resume farming.
On the economic front, Ndume offered a mixed review of the current administration. While he commended the “boldness” of President Tinubu’s reform policies, he argued that the intended benefits have failed to reach the average Nigerian.
The Senator blamed this disconnect on a “credibility and implementation gap” within the government’s executive arm.
“The impact of these reforms has not fully reached the ordinary Nigerians on the street,” Ndume said. “The problem isn’t necessarily the policy direction, but the gaps in how these policies are being executed by those responsible.”
Ndume’s comments come at a time of heightened political activity and rumors of a “mega-party” or coalition forming to challenge the APC. As a veteran of the Red Chamber known for his outspoken nature, his warning is expected to resonate within the APC’s top echelons as they begin early preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle.
