APC Warns Ndume Over ‘Jonathan Treatment’ Remark on Tinubu
Abuja. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong warning to Senator Ali Ndume following his recent comments suggesting that President Bola Tinubu could face the same fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 general elections.
Ndume, a ranking senator from Borno South and former Senate Chief Whip, made the controversial statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday. He warned that widespread public discontent, economic hardship, and overconfidence within the APC could lead to a shock defeat similar to Jonathan’s loss in 2015.
“Tinubu could be given the Jonathan treatment,” Ndume said. “Jonathan also had 22 governors who endorsed him like we do now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully.”
In 2015, Jonathan, running under the PDP, lost to then-APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari an election that marked Nigeria’s first peaceful transition of power through the ballot box.
Ndume Sounds the Alarm
Ndume’s warning is rooted in his concern that the APC leadership may be ignoring growing frustration among Nigerians.
“We are not learning our lesson,” he added. “Even though Mr. President said this is not the time for campaigns, the campaigning has already started under the guise of endorsements.”
He also expressed skepticism over rumors that the party might grant automatic tickets to sitting lawmakers, warning that such moves could alienate grassroots supporters.
“When the rumour came that National Assembly members might get automatic tickets, the party denied it. But let’s be honest governors alone cannot deliver the votes,” Ndume said.
A Window for Redemption
Despite his blunt critique, Ndume did not write off Tinubu’s re-election chances. He offered a path forward, urging the President to implement people-centered policies that could turn public opinion in his favor.
“There’s still time to turn things around,” he said. “If in the next two years the President can make Nigerians happy really happy then nobody will contest against him.”
APC Reacts: Criticism Welcome, But With Limits
Responding to the senator’s remarks, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said while the party respects divergent views, members must operate within established codes of conduct.
“Senator Ndume is a senior and respected member of the APC. This is not the first time he’s voiced criticism of his party,” Ibrahim told our correspondent. “As a progressive and liberal party, the APC tolerates diverse ideas as long as they promote social and political development.”
However, Ibrahim issued a subtle caution, suggesting that the party would not hesitate to invoke disciplinary measures against members who cross the line.
“There are party rules, and if violated, there is machinery in place to apply censorship or sanctions,” he said. “But such decisions are beyond my authority as Director of Publicity.”
Tensions Beneath the Surface
Ndume’s comments reflect growing unease within the ruling party as the 2027 elections approach. While many APC leaders continue to rally around President Tinubu, others like Ndume are raising red flags, warning that the political tide could shift unless urgent steps are taken to improve governance and reconnect with the grassroots.
As Nigeria’s economic challenges deepen and public patience wears thin, the APC faces a crucial test: listen to internal criticism and course-correct, or risk repeating history.
Reference
APC Warns Ndume Over ‘Jonathan Treatment’ Remark on Tinubu