APC threatens to penalise Ndume for anti-Tinubu statements.
The All Progressives Congress has warned former Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume about his recent comments, warning that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s treatment awaits President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The party stated that, while it accepts different points of view, it also has processes in place to discipline members who commit misbehaviour.
Bala Ibrahim, APC’s Director of Publicity, remarked in an exclusive interview on Monday that the ruling party is open-minded and embraces a diverse range of perspectives without bias.
On Sunday, Ndume voiced concern that the president may face an upset in the next election if he fails to learn from Jonathan’s devastating defeat in 2015.
Ndume issued the warning while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.
In the 2015 presidential election, Jonathan ran for the Peoples Democratic Party but was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari, the APC candidate.
The former military leader received 15,424,921 votes, while the then-president received 12,853,162 votes, finishing second.
The election was significant because it marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that an incumbent president was defeated for reelection.
“Tinubu may be treated similarly to Jonathan, as Jonathan had 22 governors endorse him, just as we have now. So what happened? “Jonathan lost horribly,” Ndume explained.
The congressman expressed concern that history would repeat itself if Tinubu failed to address what he termed as “crippling economic hardship” and an increasing tide of public anger.
According to the Borno South senator, the APC’s large endorsements and popular backing may provide a false sense of security that would be exposed at the polls, as in Jonathan’s case.
“We aren’t learning our lessons. I pity Mr. President. Even though he once declared that now is not the time for campaigns, look around; campaigning has already begun under the pretence of endorsements,” he remarked.
The senator advised against complacency, particularly in light of rumours that certain APC officials were proposing automatic tickets for sitting MPs.
He warned that such efforts may alienate the party from its grassroots followers and loyal members, whose support was critical to any electoral victory.
“When rumours circulated that National Assembly members may receive automatic tickets, the party denied it. So, who will be the foot soldiers? “You can’t rely on governors alone,” he warned.
Although Ndume responded sternly, he did not completely reject Tinubu’s chances.
He proposed a solution, urging the president to take immediate action and implement policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of ordinary Nigerians.
“There is still time to change things around. The misery we are discussing occurs within two years.
“If in the next two years the president can make Nigerians happy—really happy—then nobody will contest against him,” the politician stated.
In response, the APC Director of Publicity referred to Ndume as a respected leader within the party and stated that the ruling party was open to differing opinions, provided they aligned with progressive social and political ideals.
He said, “As you are aware, Senator Ndume is a senior and respected member of the APC. This is not the first time he has publicly expressed his thoughts on how his party is governing the country, occasionally expressing dissent or opposing viewpoints.
“But because the APC is a liberal-minded party, it accepts varied opinions as long as they do not violate the party’s constitution.
“It is a progressive party that accepts a variety of viewpoints as long as they support progressive social and political improvements.
“The party respects other people’s ideas and strives for policies that promote liberty and equality.
“But, they must be done in a manner that is 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.”