Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has distanced himself from the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the veteran lawmaker criticised the May 22, 2025 endorsement by 22 APC governors, saying it does not reflect the reality Nigerians are facing.
He questioned the timing and justification for the move, given the country’s deepening economic hardship, rising cost of living, and widespread insecurity.
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Ndume pointed to the 2015 election as a cautionary tale, recalling how former President Goodluck Jonathan received the backing of 22 PDP governors but still lost to Muhammadu Buhari.
He argued that such political endorsements are no guarantee of victory at the polls.
Expressing frustration, Ndume said Nigerians are disillusioned and no longer believe in the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He disclosed that he walked out of the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall in protest when the endorsement was announced, signaling his firm opposition to the decision.
Ndume said, “I was there but that was not why I was there; I was there for a summit and when I realised that it was not a summit and voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, 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.
“It happened before, not once, not twice. It happened during Jonathan. That does not mean anything. Politicians are decamping but the people who are the voters are not decamping.
“I hope that he would look back historically and see that the gathering of people to endorse you does not mean anything.
“Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully. A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted but we are not learning our lessons. I pity Mr President,” he added.
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