THE All Progressives Congress has cautioned former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, over his recent comments warning that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s treatment awaits President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The party said while it allows differing opinions, it also has established procedures for disciplining members who engage in misconduct.
APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, stated in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Monday that the ruling party is open-minded and welcomes a variety of viewpoints without conflict.
On Sunday, Ndume expressed fear that an upset awaited the President at the next poll if he failed to learn from the shocking defeat of Jonathan in 2015.
Ndume gave the warning when he was featured as a guest on Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.
In the 2015 presidential election, Jonathan contested under the Peoples Democratic Party but was defeated by the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari secured 15,424,921 votes, while the then-president received 12,853,162 votes, placing second.
The election was historic as it marked the first time a sitting president lost a re-election bid in Nigeria.
“Tinubu could be given the Jonathan treatment because Jonathan also had 22 governors who endorsed him like we do now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully,” Ndume said.
The lawmaker feared history could repeat itself if Tinubu failed to address what he described as “crippling economic hardship” and a growing wave of public discontent.
According to the Borno South lawmaker, the mass endorsements and public support seen within the APC may offer a false sense of security that could unravel at the polls, just like in Jonathan’s case.
“We are not learning our lesson. I pity Mr President. Even though he once said this is not the time for campaigns, look around, the campaigning has already started under the guise of endorsements,” he said.
The senator warned against becoming complacent, especially amid reports that certain APC leaders were advocating automatic tickets for sitting lawmakers.
He cautioned that such actions could distance the party from its grassroots supporters and loyal members, whose backing was essential for any electoral success.
“When the rumour came that National Assembly members might get automatic tickets, the party denied it. So who will be the foot soldiers? You cannot rely on governors alone,” he said.
Although Ndume spoke firmly, he did not entirely dismiss Tinubu’s prospects.
He suggested a way forward, calling on the President to take prompt action and introduce policies focused on improving the well-being of ordinary Nigerians.
“There’s still time to turn things around. The suffering we’re talking about is just within two years.
“If in the next two years the President can make Nigerians happy—really happy—then nobody will contest against him,” he said.
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 stated, “As you are aware, Senator Ndume is a senior and respected member of the APC. This is not the first time he has made public his opinion about the way and manner the country is being governed by his party, sometimes expressing dissent or contrary views.
“But because the APC is a party of liberal-minded people, it doesn’t quarrel with diverse ideas, provided they do not violate the party’s constitution.
“It is a progressive party that is tolerant of people’s different perspectives, as long as they are perspectives that are inclined to progressive social and political changes.
“The party respects others’ beliefs and advocates for reforms that promote freedom 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.”