Senator Ali Ndume, former Senate Chief Whip, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against relying too heavily on political endorsements, warning that they are no guarantee of electoral success.
Appearing on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Ndume drew parallels with former President Goodluck Jonathan’s failed 2015 re-election bid, despite strong backing from state governors.
“Jonathan had 22 governors on his side just like we do now and he still lost badly,” Ndume said. “Tinubu could face the same outcome if he ignores public frustration and economic hardship.”
In the 2015 election, Jonathan, the PDP candidate, was defeated by APC’s Muhammadu Buhari, who secured 15.4 million votes to Jonathan’s 12.8 million.
Endorsements Offer False Security
Ndume warned that internal party endorsements may create a false sense of confidence, urging Tinubu to be wary of complacency.
“We’re not learning from the past. Even if Tinubu says it’s not yet campaign season, the campaigns have already begun disguised as endorsements,” he said.
Automatic Tickets a Risky Move
He also criticized ongoing speculation about automatic re-election tickets for APC lawmakers, calling it a move that risks alienating party loyalists.
“Without the grassroots, who will mobilize support? Governors alone can’t win elections,” he added.
A Call for Immediate Action
Ndume urged Tinubu to prioritize people-focused policies that will tangibly improve living conditions before 2027.
“There’s still time to fix things. If Nigerians see real progress over the next two years, Tinubu won’t even need to worry about challengers,” he concluded.
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