In what appears to be a growing storm within Nigeria’s ruling party, Senator Ali Ndume has openly threatened to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued failure to address the deepening crisis in the country.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s “Prime Time” programme, the Borno South Senator admitted to attending several opposition coalition meetings — a political powder keg that could explode if not carefully managed.
“I may leave the APC if President Tinubu cannot fix things,” Ndume said pointedly, warning that the ruling party is overloaded and in danger of “sinking like a ship.”
Coalition Talks Already Underway
With the 2027 general elections looming, Ndume’s admission that he’s already had conversations with opposition coalitions adds fuel to ongoing speculations about major political realignments. According to him, while he’s not eager to leap “from the frying pan into the fire,” he believes the growing dysfunction within the APC makes exit a real possibility.
“I believe President Tinubu can still become successful, but not at this current pace. If things don’t change, I will move,” he warned.
‘Defections Without Principle’ and Elite Bargains
Ndume didn’t stop there. He went further to call out what he described as “stick-and-carrot politics” driving recent defections to the APC. According to him, most of those joining the party are not doing so based on ideology or patriotism, but rather because of incentives and political survivalism.
“People aren’t joining APC because they believe in the party — it’s transactional, and that’s dangerous for democracy,” he said.
Senator Slams Tinubu Over Lopsided Appointments
This is not the first time Ndume has taken a public swipe at the Tinubu administration. He previously accused the President of violating the federal character principle, citing Section 14(3) of the Constitution — a move that has not gone down well with party loyalists.
While insisting his criticism isn’t personal, Ndume clarified that he has a constitutional responsibility to hold the President accountable. “This is about balance, equity, and justice. If we don’t fix the structure now, it will collapse,” he stated.
Backlash From Within the Senate
Following his biting remarks, some members of the Senate have begun pushing back — with whispers of internal party moves to remove him. Sources close to the Senate leadership suggest that pressure is mounting on Ndume to either fall in line or resign his membership from the APC.
But Ndume remains defiant. “I will not stop saying the truth. Nigerians are suffering, and it’s time the leadership faces reality,” he declared.
With the APC under mounting pressure and the political temperature rising, Ndume’s rebellion may be a sign of bigger cracks forming within Nigeria’s ruling coalition — cracks that could redefine the 2027 political landscape.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story.
