Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) has distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, calling the move premature and out of touch with the nation’s pressing challenges.
Ndume, a veteran lawmaker with over 20 years in the National Assembly, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He criticized the decision by 22 governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to publicly back Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, amid worsening economic conditions and widespread insecurity.
“Nigerians cannot see any hope, they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” Ndume said, referencing the president’s signature agenda. He warned that many citizens have lost confidence in the administration’s direction due to the rising cost of living and deteriorating security.
Citing historical parallels, the senator recalled a similar endorsement of then-President Goodluck Jonathan by 22 governors in 2015, which did not prevent his electoral defeat to Muhammadu Buhari. He argued that elite endorsements do not equate to grassroots support.
Ndume also revealed that he walked out of the event at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall where the endorsement took place, stating that he had initially attended for what was billed as a summit. “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 said.
The senator’s comments add to growing concerns within and outside the APC over the timing and appropriateness of the early endorsement amid Nigeria’s ongoing socioeconomic struggles.
