Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.
Ndume, a long-serving legislator with over two decades in the National Assembly, voiced his stance during an appearance on Sunday Politics aired by Channels Television.
He drew comparisons with the 2015 election, in which former President Goodluck Jonathan received support from 22 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors but still lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
On May 22, 2025, 22 APC governors unanimously declared Tinubu their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election. However, Ndume, a senior APC figure, rejected the move, citing the country’s worsening condition.
He criticised the severe economic hardship, rising cost of living, and persistent insecurity affecting parts of Nigeria. “Nigerians are losing hope. They cannot see the promise in the Renewed Hope agenda,” he stated.
He revealed that he walked out of the Banquet Hall at the Presidential Villa in Abuja when the governors endorsed Tinubu’s re-election.
“I attended the event thinking it was a summit. When I realised it was being used to stage a voice vote of endorsement for the President, I left. That doesn’t mean I’m no longer in the APC. The majority had their way, but a few of us thought it was inappropriate,” Ndume explained.
He further remarked that endorsements by politicians hold little weight, citing historical examples. “It happened during Jonathan’s time—22 governors backed him, yet he lost badly. Massive funds were spent, even the election was postponed, but lessons weren’t learned. I pity Mr President,” he added.
Ndume has served in the National Assembly since 2003. He represented the Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency for two terms before becoming the Senator for Borno South in 2011, a position he continues to hold.