Ndume Storms Out of Villa Over Tinubu’s 2027 Bid: “This Is Not Why I Came”
Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has publicly dissociated himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, warning that such political displays may not translate to electoral success.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Ndume, a six-term federal lawmaker and a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed deep reservations about the May 22 event at the Presidential Villa, where 22 APC governors endorsed Tinubu for re-election.
According to Ndume, the atmosphere in the country does not justify any early endorsements, citing soaring inflation, insecurity, and growing disillusionment with the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“Nigerians cannot see any hope. They are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he said.
Ndume revealed that he was present at the Presidential Villa that day but walked out once he realized the event had veered into political theatrics.
“I was there for a summit. But when a voice vote was suddenly called to endorse Mr President, I just left. That wasn’t what I came for,” he said. “Yes, I’m still in the APC. The majority had their way, but a few of us knew it wasn’t right.”
The senator drew parallels with the 2015 general elections, where former President Goodluck Jonathan, backed by 22 PDP governors, lost to Muhammadu Buhari despite strong internal support.
“That endorsement didn’t help Jonathan, and it won’t necessarily help Tinubu,” Ndume warned. “We’re repeating history without learning anything. I pity Mr President.”
He further emphasized that political endorsements don’t sway the actual voters.
“Politicians are decamping, but the people who are the voters are not decamping. We need to face the real issues — poverty, insecurity, and hunger — before talking about elections.”
Senator Ndume has been a fixture in Nigeria’s National Assembly since 2003, first as a House of Representatives member for Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza, and later as the Senator for Borno South since 2011. His current comments highlight emerging cracks within the APC as the 2027 race begins to take shape.
