Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from Borno State, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has told President Ahmed Bola Tinubu not to be carried away by the orgy of endorsements for his second term bid by Governors and some politicians, saying that they do not translate to victory at the poll.
The vocal Senator who featured on Channels Television, Sunday night, quickly reminded Tinubu that the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, was endorsed by 22 Governors in 2015 but still lost the election to the opposition.
This is as Senator Ndume distanced himself from the recent endorsements of President Tinubu for a second term in office.
The Senate Committee Chairman on the Army, who has served in the National Assembly since 2003, said Nigerians are doubting President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda
He said that the economic realities in Nigeria, was a contradiction of the remarks by politicians.
Recall that on May 22, 2025, 22 APC Governors unanimously endorsed Tinubu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Ndume distanced himself from the endorsement, insisting that Nigeria’s economic conditions, rising cost of living and growing insecurity, negate the endorsement.
He said: “Nigerians cannot see any hope, they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he said, referencing the president’s campaign slogan.
Ndume revealed that he walked out of the Presidential Villa Banquet Hall when the endorsement was announced.
He said, “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 a few of us felt that was not right.”
Ndume added, “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.
“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.”
