Ndume Claims APC Members Feel “Abandoned” by Tinubu’s Administration, Echoing El-Rufai’s Sentiments
ABUJA, Nigeria – Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has ignited a fresh wave of controversy within the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that a significant number of party members feel “abandoned” by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.1 His comments echo the recent scathing criticisms leveled by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) after accusing the APC of lacking internal democracy.
In a candid interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Friday, April 11, 2025, Ndume revealed that widespread discontent simmers within the APC ranks. He claimed that many party loyalists share El-Rufai’s perception that Tinubu’s administration has sidelined them, leading to a sense of disillusionment and neglect.
“Two years into the government, many people feel that they have been abandoned. Like El-Rufai that gave that excuse that APC left him behind, so many others too are saying the same,” Ndume stated, highlighting the growing chorus of grievances.
He elaborated on the specific sources of discontent, pointing to issues of appointments, access to the administration, and the perceived lack of inclusivity. “Looking at what I know, like appointments, having access, and carrying people along, he’s just down in the school; people are not happy. Many people don’t have access,” he asserted.
Ndume further criticized the administration’s response to previous expressions of concern, alleging that instead of addressing the underlying issues, they resorted to personal attacks. “I said it sometimes back and they didn’t do something about it. Instead, they came back on the back of newspapers and started abusing the messenger instead of addressing the message,” he said.
Ndume’s remarks have the potential to deepen the existing fissures within the APC, particularly in the wake of El-Rufai’s high-profile departure. His claims of widespread dissatisfaction among party members present a significant challenge to Tinubu’s administration, potentially undermining its efforts to maintain party unity and consolidate its political base. The senator’s allegations of neglect and lack of access could fuel further dissent, forcing the administration to address these concerns to mitigate potential damage to its political standing. The coming days will reveal the extent to which Ndume’s assertions resonate within the party and the administration’s response to this growing internal challenge.
