Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has distanced himself from the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
Ndume, a high-ranking APC member, expressed his reservations on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.
Ndume cited the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who secured the endorsement of 22 governors of his party, the PDP, in the 2015 poll, yet lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
According to him, former President Goodluck Jonathan secured the endorsement of 22 governors of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2015 poll yet he lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The senator lamented the harsh economic situation, skyrocketing cost of living, and insecurity ravaging parts of Nigeria, saying “Nigerians cannot see any hope, they are doubting the Renewed Hope.”
Ndume claimed he walked out of the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja when the governors endorsed the president for re-election, stating that he did not support the decision.
Ndume said, “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.
“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.
“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 emphasised that endorsement by politicians does not necessarily translate to victory, as voters were not bound by such endorsements.
Ndume urged President Tinubu to learn from history and not rely solely on endorsements for re-election.
The six-term federal lawmaker has been in the National Assembly since 2003.
He first represented Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency in Borno State for two terms (from 2003 to 2011) in the House of Representatives.
He proceeded to the Senate in 2011 when he was elected to represent Borno South Senatorial District, a seat he has kept to date.
