I Pity Tinubu, If 22 PDP Governors Couldn’t Save Jonathan, Nothing Will Save Him, Says Ndume

By Emmanuel Kwada

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has publicly distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Ndume drew parallels to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s failed re-election bid in 2015, warning that such endorsements do not guarantee electoral success.

On May 22, 2025, 22 APC governors unanimously adopted Tinubu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. However, Ndume, a veteran lawmaker with over two decades in the National Assembly, expressed strong reservations about the decision, citing the dire state of the nation.

“Things are very bad in the country,” Ndume said, highlighting the crippling economic hardship, soaring cost of living, and persistent insecurity plaguing Nigeria. “Nigerians cannot see any hope; they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he added, referencing Tinubu’s campaign slogan.

Things are very bad in the country,” Ndume said, highlighting the crippling economic hardship, soaring cost of living, and persistent insecurity plaguing Nigeria

Ndume revealed that he walked out of the Banquet Hall when the governors moved to endorse Tinubu, clarifying that his presence was for a summit, not to support the re-election bid. “I just left, and that does not mean I am not an APC member. The majority had its way, but few of us felt that was not right,” he stated.

Drawing from history, Ndume recalled how Jonathan secured the backing of 22 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in 2015, yet lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.

Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully

“Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully,” he said, expressing pity for Tinubu and urging him to learn from past mistakes.

Ndume also noted the growing discontent among Nigerians, warning that while politicians may switch allegiances, voters are unlikely to follow suit. “Politicians are decamping, but the people who are the voters are not decamping,” he said, emphasizing the need for Tinubu to address the country’s challenges to secure public support.

As the 2027 election approaches, Ndume’s remarks highlight deepening divisions within the APC and underscore the challenges facing Tinubu’s administration amidst widespread economic and security concerns.