By Parrot Newspaper “I Pity Tinubu”: Jonathan Had 22 Governors Endorsing Him Then Still Lost — Ndume
By Parrot Newspaper Staff
Senator Ali Ndume has poured cold water on President Bola Tinubu’s recent endorsement by 22 governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such political theatrics do not equate to electoral victory. Drawing a sharp comparison with history, Ndume said even with 22 governors behind him in 2015, then-President Goodluck Jonathan still lost at the polls.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the Borno South senator—one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the National Assembly—distanced himself from the loud cheers of support Tinubu received on May 22, when APC governors openly backed him for re-election in 2027.
“I pity Mr President,” Ndume declared. “Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully.”
According to Ndume, the glitzy show of solidarity at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall masked Nigeria’s grim realities. He walked out of the venue when it became clear that the endorsement was being pushed through.
“I was there for a summit,” he explained. “When I realised that it was not a summit and a voice vote was being taken to endorse the President, I just left. That does not mean I am not an APC member. The majority had its way, but a few of us felt it was not right.”
Citing worsening economic conditions, widespread insecurity, and growing public despair, Ndume questioned the value of such endorsements in the face of citizens’ suffering.
“Nigerians cannot see any hope,” he said bluntly. “They are doubting the Renewed Hope,” referencing the president’s 2023 campaign slogan.
The senator reminded the public that political endorsements often have little bearing on actual voter sentiment. “It happened before, not once, not twice. Politicians are decamping, but the people who are the voters are not decamping.”
He warned the ruling party against repeating the mistakes of the past, urging a reality check rather than relying on showy affirmations. “A lot of money was spent then. Even the election was shifted. But we’re not learning our lessons,” he lamented.
Ndume’s remarks signal internal disquiet within APC ranks, suggesting that Tinubu’s road to 2027 may be more turbulent than the party’s leadership is willing to admit.