2027: Senator Ndume expresses sympathy for Tinubu

Senator Ali Ndume has expressed sympathy for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, drawing a comparison to the events leading up to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in 2015.

Ndume pointed out that despite the backing of 22 governors, Jonathan still lost the election to Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television, the Borno South lawmaker recalled how the 22 governors, all elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had publicly endorsed Jonathan. Yet, that endorsement didn’t prevent his loss to Buhari, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2015 presidential race.

Ndume revealed that he was present at the event where Jonathan was endorsed at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, but left once he realized what was unfolding.

“I was there, but that wasn’t why I came. I attended what was supposed to be a summit, but when I saw it had turned into an endorsement process and a voice vote was called, I quietly left,” he said.

Clarifying his stance, Ndume added, “That doesn’t mean I’m not a member of the APC. The majority had its way, but some of us felt the process wasn’t right. This kind of thing has happened before, not just once or twice. It happened during Jonathan’s time, and it didn’t amount to anything.”

He emphasized that political endorsements by elites or party figures often do not reflect the sentiment of ordinary voters. “Politicians may decamp, but the voters don’t. I hope Mr. President will reflect on history. Just because a group endorses you doesn’t mean it translates to electoral victory,” he said.

“Jonathan had 22 governors supporting him—just like the endorsements we’re seeing now—and still, he lost badly. A lot of money was spent, the election was even postponed, but the outcome didn’t change. Sadly, it seems we haven’t learned our lesson. I pity Mr. President,” Ndume concluded.