The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to Senator Ali Ndume, the former Senate Chief Whip, following his recent comments suggesting that President Bola Tinubu could face electoral defeat in 2027 similar to the fate of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 if urgent reforms are not enacted.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday. He cautioned that the current economic hardships and rising public discontent could lead to electoral disaster for the Tinubu administration, much like Jonathan’s unexpected loss in the last elections.
“Tinubu could be given the Jonathan treatment because Jonathan also had 22 governors who endorsed him, just as we do now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully,” Ndume stated during the broadcast.
The senator expressed concern that the APC may be growing complacent, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the political elite and grassroots supporters. He also criticized internal proposals, such as granting automatic tickets to incumbent lawmakers, which he believes could alienate the party from its base.
“We are not learning our lesson. I pity Mr. President. Even though he once said this is not the time for campaigns, look around—the campaigning has already started under the guise of endorsements,” Ndume added.
He emphasized that mere endorsements from governors or party leaders would not guarantee electoral success, urging the APC to heed the voices of ordinary Nigerians. “When the rumor surfaced that National Assembly members might receive automatic tickets, the party denied it. So, who will be the foot soldiers? You cannot rely solely on governors,” he said.
Despite his criticisms, Ndume did not completely dismiss President Tinubu’s re-election prospects. He suggested that there is still time for the administration to implement people-centered policies that could improve public sentiment. “There’s still time to turn things around. The suffering we’re talking about is just within two years. If in the next two years the president can make Nigerians truly happy, then nobody will contest against him,” he concluded.
In response to Ndume’s comments, APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim acknowledged the senator’s longstanding position within the party but reiterated the importance of party discipline. “Senator Ndume is a senior and respected member of the APC. This is not the first time he has publicly expressed his opinions about the governance of his party, sometimes voicing dissent,” Ibrahim stated.
He added, “The APC is a party of liberal-minded individuals and does not shy away from diverse ideas, provided they do not violate the party’s constitution.”
Ibrahim emphasized that while the party values internal democracy and freedom of expression, members must operate within established boundaries. “The party respects differing beliefs and advocates for reforms that promote freedom and equality. However, these must be pursued in a manner that does not contravene the established rules of acceptable behavior. Should any member act contrary to this, the party has mechanisms for addressing such issues, which are beyond my purview as a director,” he stated.
