Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has publicly distanced himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, warning that such political maneuvers don't guarantee electoral success.

Speaking on Channels Television's Sunday Politics programme, Ndume drew parallels to former President Goodluck Jonathan's failed re-election bid in 2015, despite having the backing of 22 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

"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," Ndume explained, referring to his reported exit from the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the endorsement ceremony.

Last month, 22 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously adopted Tinubu as their candidate for the 2027 election, a move Ndume believes was premature.

Historical Warning for Tinubu

The senator offered a stark reminder of political history, stating: "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."

He added with a note of concern: "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."

Ndume's comments highlight the potential disconnect between political endorsements and actual voter sentiment, suggesting that the APC's early rallying behind Tinubu might not translate to electoral success in 2027.

While maintaining his APC membership, the senator made it clear that he and some others felt the endorsement was not appropriate at this time, stating, "The majority had its way but few of us felt that was not right."

This development reveals potential fractures within the ruling party as it begins positioning for the next general election cycle, with Ndume's stance suggesting that not all APC members are aligned on the timing or approach to Tinubu's re-election campaign.

Follow BenriNews on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | WhatsApp | Telegram