Ali Ndume Distances Himself From Tinubu’s 2027 Endorsement, Says Nigerians Are Losing Hope

Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, on Sunday disassociated himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

Ndume, who has served in the National Assembly for over two decades, made the comments while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He cited the failed re-election bid of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, despite securing the endorsement of 22 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, as a cautionary tale.

On May 22, 2025, 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors similarly endorsed Tinubu as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election. But Ndume, a senior APC figure, said he did not support the decision, warning that “things are very bad in the country” and Nigerians are increasingly frustrated.

He pointed to rising insecurity, a worsening economy, and the surging cost of living as signs that the country is in distress. “Nigerians cannot see any hope; they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he said.

Recalling the moment of the endorsement at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall, Ndume revealed he walked out in protest.

“I was there but that was not why I was there. I came for a summit, and when I realised it wasn’t a summit but an endorsement by voice vote, I just left,” he said. “That doesn’t mean I’m no longer an APC member. The majority had its way, but some of us believed it wasn’t right.”

Ndume cautioned that such endorsements are not guarantees of electoral success, pointing again to Jonathan’s loss in 2015 despite similar backing.

“It happened before, during Jonathan’s time. That doesn’t mean anything. Politicians may decamp, but voters don’t. The President should look back at history—gathering people to endorse you doesn’t mean much,” he said. “Jonathan had 22 governors endorsing him. What happened? He lost woefully. A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted. But we’re not learning our lessons. I pity Mr President.”