Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, cautioning that such political manoeuvres do not equate to electoral victory.
Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Ndume, a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), referenced the 2015 election in which then-President Goodluck Jonathan, despite receiving the backing of 22 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
The APC’s May 22, 2025 endorsement of Tinubu—also backed by 22 governors—has sparked internal criticism, with Ndume expressing deep reservations, citing Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, insecurity, and rising cost of living.
“Nigerians cannot see any hope, they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he said, in a pointed critique of the president’s campaign slogan.
Ndume disclosed that he left the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall when the endorsement was announced, clarifying that he had attended for a summit and not to participate in a political endorsement.
“I was there but that was not why I was there,” he explained. “When I realised that it was not a summit and a voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left.”
He added that his exit should not be interpreted as a break with the party: “The majority had its way but few of us felt that was not right.”
Citing history, Ndume warned that endorsements from political elites can be misleading. “Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully,” he noted, adding that such gestures fail to sway the real voters who ultimately decide elections.
“I hope that [President Tinubu] would look back historically and see that the gathering of people to endorse you does not mean anything,” he concluded. “I pity Mr President.”
What you should know
Senator Ndume has publicly rejected the recent APC endorsement of President Tinubu for 2027, citing economic hardship and voter dissatisfaction.
He warned that elite endorsements don’t guarantee electoral victory, drawing parallels with Goodluck Jonathan’s failed 2015 bid.
