Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, has distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office by governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ndume clarified that he was not part of the unanimous decision by 22 APC governors to adopt Tinubu as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
“I was there, but that was not why I was there,” Ndume said, recounting the event which was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“I was there for a summit, and when I realised that it was not a summit and a voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left. That does not mean I am not an APC member.”
The senator expressed concern over the manner of the endorsement, stating that although the majority had their way, a few lawmakers like himself were not in support and believed the process was improper.
Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, Ndume reminded his audience of a similar situation in 2015, when 22 PDP governors endorsed then-President Goodluck Jonathan for re-election — an effort that ultimately ended in defeat to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
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“Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully,” Ndume said. “A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted. But we are not learning our lessons. I pity Mr President.”
He further noted that while politicians often switch allegiances and play to political tides, the actual electorate — the Nigerian people — remain the most critical deciders of electoral outcomes.
“Politicians are decamping, but the people who are the voters are not decamping,” he added.
Ndume’s comments have stirred conversations within the ruling APC, with many now paying closer attention to internal dissent and the growing voices of caution ahead of the 2027 polls.