Senator Ali Ndume, the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, has openly distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office. The outspoken senator, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made his position clear during an appearance on Sunday Politics, a flagship political programme on one of Nigeria’s television stations.
Ndume, who has been in the National Assembly since 2003 and is one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the country, warned that political endorsements at this stage are premature and do not guarantee electoral victory. He referenced the 2015 general elections where former President Goodluck Jonathan was endorsed by 22 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but still lost to then-candidate Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
According to him, “Endorsements don’t win elections. If they did, Jonathan wouldn’t have lost in 2015. This country is not in a state where endorsements should be our focus. People are hungry. There’s insecurity everywhere. The economy is struggling. We should focus on solving these issues before we start talking about 2027.”
The endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term was announced on May 22, 2025, when 22 APC governors reportedly gave their unanimous support for the President’s re-election bid. While the move was welcomed by many within the party, it has also raised concerns among party stakeholders and citizens who believe that Nigeria’s current challenges must take priority over politics.
Ndume, known for his blunt and principled stance on governance, said that such endorsements could send the wrong signal to the Nigerian public, especially in the midst of severe economic hardship, persistent insecurity, and a rising cost of living. He emphasized that what Nigerians need now is responsible leadership focused on performance, not political maneuvering.
He said, “Let’s call a spade a spade. People are suffering. Prices are going up. Our people in the North-East are still dealing with insurgency. Farmers can’t go to their farms safely. There’s a lot of work to be done. We need to concentrate on governance, not campaign politics.”
Ndume also challenged his fellow party members to prioritize the concerns of ordinary Nigerians over political ambitions. He said that good governance and tangible improvements in people’s lives are the only real ways to ensure electoral success, not early endorsements or party politics.
While he maintained that President Tinubu has the constitutional right to seek re-election if he so desires, he stressed that a proper assessment of his performance should come first before any form of endorsement.
Political observers have noted that Senator Ndume’s stance reflects growing unease within the APC over the direction of the country. Many believe that the party must tread carefully and avoid overconfidence ahead of the 2027 general elections. With widespread frustration over inflation, unemployment, and insecurity, the political atmosphere is increasingly volatile, and early campaigning could worsen public discontent.
President Tinubu, who came to power in 2023 under the promise of a Renewed Hope Agenda, has faced mounting pressure to deliver on key reforms, especially in the areas of economic stability, national security, education, and healthcare. While some strides have been made, critics argue that more needs to be done to improve living standards.
Meanwhile, Ndume’s comments have sparked debates within the party, with some applauding his boldness while others view his remarks as disloyal. However, the senator has remained firm, saying his priority remains the well-being of Nigerians and not the political calculations of 2027.
He concluded by urging both party leaders and public office holders to redirect their attention to governance. “Let’s not make the mistake of ignoring the people. We must put Nigeria first.”
As discussions around 2027 continue to grow, the position of key political figures like Senator Ndume is expected to shape internal party dynamics and influence public perception.
