Borno South Senator Ali Ndume distances himself from APC governors’ endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing economic hardship and lack of public confidence

[dropcap]B[/dropcap]orno South Senator and senior All Progressives Congress (APC) member, Ali Ndume, has publicly distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

Also read: Senator Ndume threatens President Tinubu over decisions to relocate CBN, FAAN to Lagos

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, the six-term federal lawmaker criticised the move, stating that “things are very bad in the country” and Nigerians are “doubting the Renewed Hope” agenda of the Tinubu-led administration.

On May 22, 2025, 22 APC governors unanimously endorsed President Tinubu as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general elections.

However, Ndume, who has been in the National Assembly since 2003, said he stormed out of the meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja upon realising the summit had turned into a political endorsement session.

Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s political history, Ndume reminded viewers that in 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan received the endorsement of 22 PDP governors, yet lost the election to then APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari.

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.

“It happened before, not once, not twice. 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,” he said.

Ndume stressed that endorsements by political elites do not guarantee electoral success, especially when citizens are burdened by high inflation, insecurity, and economic stagnation.

“Politicians are decamping but the people who are the voters are not decamping,” he said, underscoring the disconnect between political manoeuvres and public sentiment.

Ali Ndume’s political career spans over two decades. He first served in the House of Representatives representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2011, before moving to the Senate in 2011, where he has remained a vocal figure representing Borno South Senatorial District.

Known for his independent stance within the APC, Ndume continues to speak frankly on national issues, regardless of party lines.

Also read: Senator Ndume commends President Tinubu’s embargo on foreign goods

His rejection of Tinubu’s early 2027 endorsement adds to the growing internal dissent within the APC, as concerns mount over the party’s direction amid Nigeria’s worsening economic challenges.