Senator Ali Ndume has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to rely on endorsements as a sure path to victory in the 2027 elections, stressing that such political gestures have failed in the past.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the Borno South Senator distanced himself from the recent endorsement of Tinubu’s second term bid by 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, saying he walked out of the event held at the Presidential Villa when the endorsement was announced.
“I was there but that was not why I was there,” Ndume said. “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 majority had its way but few of us felt that was not right.”
Ndume cited the 2015 experience of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who had the backing of 22 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but still lost to Muhammadu Buhari.
“It happened before, not once, not twice. It happened during Jonathan. That does not mean anything. Politicians are decamping but the people who are the voters are not decamping,” he said.
“I hope that he would look back historically and see that the gathering of people to endorse you does not mean anything. Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully. A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted but we are not learning our lessons. I pity Mr President,” Ndume added.
The senator criticized the state of the country, noting the economic hardship, insecurity, and growing disillusionment among Nigerians.
“Nigerians cannot see any hope, they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he said bluntly.
Ndume, who has served in the National Assembly since 2003, said the country’s current reality calls for deep reflection rather than political showmanship.
