Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has issued a clear message to president Bola Tinubu in the wake of the recent public support for Tinubu’s re-election campaign from 22 APC governors. In an interview on telecast, Ndume firmly rejected the endorsement, claiming it was an unwise and premature move politically.
He also drew comparisons with the general election of 2015 and recalled how the then-President Goodluck Jonathan received support from 22 PDP governors, but suffered an overwhelming defeat against Muhammadu Buhari. According to Ndume this shows that endorsements don’t guarantee success in the election.
“In 2015 22 governors endorsed Jonathan but he was a shambles. There was a lot of money used, but it wasn’t enough to make him any better off.”
Ndume has criticized the focus on endorsements rather than performance. He said the current security and economic situation in the country do not match the promises given under the “Renewed Hope” slogan.
“Things are extremely poor across the nation. People are struggling. Insecurity is everywhere. The prices of food and other basic necessities have gone up.”
He also admitted that the president was able to leave the meeting held in the Presidential Villa when it was clear that the agenda was shifting from national issues to political campaigning.
“I was there for a policy discussion, but once I realized it had turned into an endorsement meeting, I got up and left.”
Ndume said that voters are the ones who decide elections not political leaders or endorsements. Ndume urged President Tinubu to concentrate on real reforms, and to follow through on his promises instead of being dependent on the early support of his political allies.
He also said that a lot of Nigerians struggle every day and will not be influenced by political alliances in the event that their needs are not met.
“People aren’t fools. They’re watching. If they don’t get better No amount of endorsements can save anyone in 2027.”
Ndume’s remarks are made at a time of people’s discontent over the state of the economy is increasing and pressure is increasing on the president to tackle unemployment, inflation, and security issues for the nation.
