Ndume :  Tinubu’s endorsement won’t give him victory, says Jonathan lost 2015 poll despite 22 govs’ backing

Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has disassociated himself from the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, saying that political endorsements do not guarantee electoral victory.

Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Ndume referenced the failed re-election bid of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, despite having the backing of 22 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“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,” he said.

On May 22, 2025, 22 governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) publicly endorsed President Tinubu as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential race. However, Ndume—who has been a member of the National Assembly for over two decades—criticized the move, citing Nigeria’s current challenges.

He pointed to worsening insecurity, inflation, and a cost of living crisis as reasons why the endorsement was premature. “Nigerians cannot see any hope, they are doubting the Renewed Hope,” he said.

According to the senator, symbolic shows of support like endorsements may not reflect the sentiments of voters on the ground.

“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,” Ndume stated.

“I hope that he would look back historically and see that the gathering of people to endorse you does not mean anything,” he added.

“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.”

A six-term legislator, Ndume began his federal legislative career in the House of Representatives in 2003, representing the Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency. He moved to the Senate in 2011 and has since represented Borno South.