Ndume: I Pity Tinubu—22 PDP Governors Backed Jonathan, Yet He Lost in 2015
Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has disassociated himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, expressing serious reservations about the state of the nation under Tinubu’s leadership.
Speaking during an interview with Channels TV on Sunday, June 8, Ndume referenced the 2015 presidential election as a cautionary tale.
He recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan, despite receiving the endorsement of 22 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
According to Ndume, political endorsements and defections mean little if the masses — the actual voters — are disillusioned.
“The real power lies with the people, not political endorsements or party switchers,” he said.
Ndume revealed he was present at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa when the endorsement of Tinubu for the 2027 election was declared but walked out once it became clear that the gathering had turned into a political endorsement event rather than the summit he expected.
“I was invited for a summit, but when a voice vote came up to endorse the President for re-election, I left.
That wasn’t what I came for. It doesn’t mean I’m not a loyal APC member, but not everyone agreed with that move,” he clarified.
The senator strongly criticized the current state of the country, citing worsening economic hardship, skyrocketing inflation, and escalating insecurity.
“People can’t see any hope. The same Nigerians who were promised ‘Renewed Hope’ are now doubting that promise. Things are very bad in the country,” Ndume said bluntly.
He urged President Tinubu to reflect on historical precedents and not be swayed by orchestrated political endorsements. “Endorsements don’t win elections. Jonathan had 22 governors behind him, and yet he lost.
The election was even postponed, and money poured in, but that didn’t help. I pity Mr. President if he doesn’t learn from that,” he warned.
A seasoned lawmaker, Ndume has served in the National Assembly since 2003, beginning with two terms in the House of Representatives for Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency before moving to the Senate in 2011, where he continues to represent Borno South.
Ndume: I Pity Tinubu—22 PDP Governors Backed Jonathan, Yet He Lost in 2015