The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, over recent comments where he cautioned President Bola Tinubu could face a similar electoral upset to former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 general elections.
Senator Ndume, speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Sunday, expressed apprehension that a significant defeat awaits President Tinubu at the next polls if lessons are not learned from Jonathan’s surprising loss in 2015. The Borno South lawmaker asserted that despite ongoing defections to the APC, the electorate appears dissatisfied with the current government, a sentiment he believes is not shared by many politicians.
Ndume revealed he had initially attended an APC summit where President Tinubu was endorsed by party members. However, upon realizing the gathering’s primary purpose was to secure a second-term endorsement for Tinubu, he immediately left the venue in disagreement.
He underscored that party endorsement alone does not guarantee electoral victory, citing the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who, despite securing the endorsement of 22 governors of his then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ultimately lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC in 2015.
In response to Ndume’s remarks, the APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, stated in an interview with Punch on Monday that while the ruling party maintains an open-minded stance and welcomes diverse viewpoints, it also has established procedures for disciplining members who engage in misconduct.
Ibrahim acknowledged Senator Ndume as a respected and senior member of the APC, noting that this is not the first instance of him publicly expressing dissenting views on the government’s direction. “But because the APC is a party of liberal-minded people, it doesn’t quarrel with diverse ideas, provided they do not violate the party’s constitution,” Ibrahim said.
He further emphasized the party’s progressive nature and tolerance for differing perspectives, so long as they align with “progressive social and political changes” and are presented in a manner “not injurious to the laid down rules of acceptable behaviour.”
“If they go contrary, the party has a machinery for censorship or punishment, which are beyond my powers as a director,” Ibrahim concluded, hinting at potential disciplinary action should Ndume’s comments be deemed to have crossed established party lines.
The exchange highlights internal tensions within the ruling party as the 2027 election cycle begins to draw focus amidst ongoing economic and security challenges across the country.
