APC Threatens To Sanction Ndume For Predicting Tinubu’s Defeat In 2027
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern caution to Senator Ali Ndume, the former Senate Chief Whip, over his recent remarks suggesting that President Bola Tinubu could suffer the same electoral fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2027 if urgent reforms are not implemented.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the comment during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.
He warned that the widespread economic hardship and growing public discontent could spell electoral disaster for the Tinubu administration, much like the surprise defeat Jonathan suffered in 2015.
“Tinubu could be given the Jonathan treatment because Jonathan also had 22 governors who endorsed him, like we do now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully,” Ndume said during the broadcast.
He expressed concern that the APC might be growing complacent, pointing to the perceived disconnect between the political elite and grassroots supporters, as well as internal proposals such as automatic tickets for incumbent lawmakers.
“We are not learning our lesson. I pity Mr President. Even though he once said this is not the time for campaigns, look around—the campaigning has already started under the guise of endorsements,” he added.
Ndume emphasised that mere endorsements by governors or party chieftains would not be sufficient to secure victory at the polls, warning that the APC must not ignore the voices of ordinary Nigerians.
“When the rumour came that National Assembly members might get automatic tickets, the party denied it. So, who will be the foot soldiers? You cannot rely on governors alone,” he said.
While critical, the senator did not entirely write off President Tinubu’s re-election prospects. He suggested that the administration still has time to turn the tide by implementing people-centred policies.
“There’s still time to turn things around. The suffering we’re talking about is just within two years. If in the next two years the president can make Nigerians happy—really happy—then nobody will contest against him,” Ndume concluded.
In response to the senator’s remarks, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, on Tuesday acknowledged Ndume’s long-standing position within the party but warned that party discipline remains paramount.
“As you are aware, Senator Ndume is a senior and respected member of the APC. This is not the first time he has made public his opinion about the way and manner the country is being governed by his party, sometimes expressing dissent or contrary views,” Ibrahim said.
He added, “But because the APC is a party of liberal-minded people, it doesn’t quarrel with diverse ideas, provided they do not violate the party’s constitution.”
Ibrahim reiterated that while the party values internal democracy and freedom of expression, members must operate within defined limits.
“The party respects others’ beliefs and advocates for reforms that promote freedom and equality. But they must be done in a manner that is not injurious to the laid-down rules of acceptable behaviour. If they go contrary, the party has a machinery for censorship or punishment, which are beyond my powers as a director,” he stated.
APC Threatens To Sanction Ndume For Predicting Tinubu’s Defeat In 2027 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
