Ndume Rejects Tinubu’s Endorsement, Says 22 PDP Governors Backed Jonathan But He Still Lost

Senator Ali Ndume has distanced himself from the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by governors of the All Progressives Congress, warning that such endorsements do not guarantee electoral victory.

Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Senate, expressed his views during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. The senator, a long-standing member of the National Assembly, said he “pities” the President, citing the growing hardship and insecurity faced by Nigerians.

“I pity Mr President,” Ndume said, while reflecting on the current state of the nation.

His remarks come in response to the decision of 22 APC governors who, on May 22, 2025, unanimously endorsed Tinubu for re-election ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

Ndume drew a historical comparison, recalling how former President Goodluck Jonathan was similarly endorsed by 22 PDP governors in 2015, only to lose to then opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

“It happened before, not once, not twice. It happened during Jonathan. That does not mean anything. Politicians are decamping but the people who are the voters are not decamping,” he said.

“I hope that he would look back historically and see that the gathering of people to endorse you does not mean anything.

“Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully. A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted but we are not learning our lessons. I pity Mr President,” he added.

The senator said although he was present at the event in the Presidential Villa where the endorsement took place, he left midway when he realised what was happening.

“I was there but that was not why I was there; I was there for a summit and when I realised that it was not a summit and voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left, and that does not mean I am not an APC member. The majority had its way but few of us felt that was not right,” he said.

Ndume criticised the economic situation in the country, saying many citizens are struggling under the weight of rising costs and insecurity.

“Nigerians cannot see any hope, they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” the senator said, referencing the President’s campaign slogan.

Ndume has been in the National Assembly since 2003. He served two terms in the House of Representatives, representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, before moving to the Senate in 2011, where he has remained a key figure.