Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, on Sunday, distanced himself from the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
He pointed out that former President Goodluck Jonathan received the endorsement of 22 governors from his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during the 2015 election, yet he ultimately lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On May 22, 2025, 22 APC governors unanimously selected Tinubu as the APC candidate for the upcoming 2027 election.
Ndume, a prominent member of the APC, expressed his disapproval of the decision made by the APC governors, stating that “things are very bad in the country” at present. He expressed concern over the severe economic conditions, the rising cost of living, and the insecurity affecting various regions of Nigeria. “Nigerians cannot see any hope; they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he remarked.
He recounted that he left the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja when the governors endorsed the president for re-election.
Ndume stated, “I was present, but that was not my purpose for attending; I was there for a summit, and when I realized it was not a summit and a voice vote was conducted regarding the endorsement of Mr. President, I simply departed. This does not imply that I am not a member of the APC. The majority prevailed, but a few of us believed that this was not appropriate.”
“It has occurred before, not just once or twice. It happened during Jonathan’s time. This does not signify anything. Politicians may be switching parties, but the voters remain steadfast.”
“I hope that he will reflect historically and recognize that a gathering of individuals to endorse you does not carry significant weight.
“Jonathan had 22 governors endorsing him at that time, just as it is now. And what was the outcome? Jonathan suffered a significant defeat. A considerable amount of money was expended.
Even though the election was postponed, we are failing to learn from our experiences. I feel sorry for Mr. President,” he remarked.
The six-term federal legislator has been a member of the National Assembly since 2003. Initially, he represented the Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency in Borno State for two terms (from 2003 to 2011) in the House of Representatives. In 2011, he transitioned to the Senate after being elected to represent the Borno South Senatorial District, a position he has maintained ever since.
