The Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has expressed strong confidence that the All Progressives Congress will maintain control at the centre following the 2027 presidential election.
According to Ndume, the opposition, led by the African Democratic Congress and its key figures, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, has so far failed to present innovative strategies capable of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Ndume acknowledged the opposition’s presence but said their efforts remain disjointed.
“I am not worried because nobody is coming up with something new.
”Everybody talks about it either Tinubu, Atiku, Amaechi, or Obi, but I don’t see anything tangible they have put forward,” he remarked.
The lawmaker added that while Tinubu currently “holds the steering wheel,” opposition figures and the ADC seem preoccupied with personal ambitions rather than presenting coherent plans.
“Initially, I had a lot of confidence in their capabilities, but their focus appears scattered. Still, no opposition should ever be underestimated, regardless of size.”
Ndume recalled how the Peoples Democratic Party initially dismissed the APC, only for the ruling party to rise to power under Muhammadu Buhari.
“That was the thinking, APC is not serious. Buhari tried several times and didn’t succeed.
”So I am not writing Atiku, Obi, or Amaechi off,” he said.
He stressed that a strong opposition is necessary for the health of any democracy but insisted that APC remains well-positioned to retain voter support if it addresses core issues.
Responding to questions about Nigerians potentially rejecting Tinubu in 2027 over unmet promises, Ndume said the decision ultimately lies with the electorate.
Nevertheless, he argued that the President has made significant progress, though insecurity and citizens’ welfare challenges have overshadowed achievements.
“If the government tackles insecurity effectively, secures Nigerians, improves the power sector, and enhances welfare, citizens will support the APC,” Ndume said.
While admitting some dissatisfaction among voters, he dismissed the ADC as a credible threat.
“Once we get the policies right and results start showing, Nigerians are forgiving. They will support a government that turns things around,” he added.
Political analysts noted that the ADC, strengthened by high-profile opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Abubakar Malami, and Nasir El-Rufai, is positioning itself as a challenger to APC in 2027.
However, ongoing internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party may limit their effectiveness and give APC an advantage in the upcoming election.
