I pity Tinubu, Jonathan lost re-election despite backing of 22 PDP Govs — Ndume

Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has dissociated himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, describing the move as premature and disconnected from the country’s current realities.

Speaking during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ndume, who has served in the National Assembly for over two decades, criticised the decision by 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to adopt Tinubu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The senator expressed concern over the nation’s economic hardship, rising cost of living, and growing insecurity, insisting that many Nigerians have lost faith in the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda. “Nigerians cannot see any hope, they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” Ndume stated.

He recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan similarly received the endorsement of 22 governors in 2015, only to lose the presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari.

According to Ndume, the public endorsement of a candidate by political elites does not necessarily reflect the will of ordinary voters.

Ndume revealed that he left the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the controversial endorsement event, which was initially billed as a summit. “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 a voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left,” he explained.

The senator maintained his loyalty to the APC but reiterated that the focus should be on addressing the country’s pressing issues, not political endorsements. “I hope that he would look back historically and see that the gathering of people to endorse you does not mean anything,” Ndume warned.

He added, “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.”