Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has publicly distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, cautioning that such political gestures do not translate to electoral victory.
The veteran lawmaker, who has served in the National Assembly since 2003, made his position clear during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.
Ndume drew parallels to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s experience in 2015, when despite receiving endorsements from 22 Peoples Democratic Party governors, he lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.
The senator’s comments come after 22 APC governors unanimously endorsed Tinubu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election on May 22, 2025.
“Nigerians cannot see any hope, they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” Ndume stated, referencing the president’s campaign slogan while highlighting the country’s worsening economic conditions, rising cost of living, and persistent insecurity.
The senator revealed he walked out of the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall when the endorsement was announced. “I was there but that was not why I was there; I was there for a summit and when I realised that it was not a summit and voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left, and that does not mean I am not an APC member. The majority had its way but few of us felt that was not right,” he explained.
Ndume further emphasized the limited value of political endorsements, stating: “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.”
The lawmaker offered a historical perspective and cautionary advice: “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.”
