"I Pity Tinubu": Senator Ndume Warns Against Relying on Endorsements for 2027.

“I Pity Tinubu” — A Rare Internal Alarm Bell

Senator Ali Ndume

In a political climate where silence often signals loyalty, Senator Ali Ndume’s recent comments have stirred the waters within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). During a Channels Television interview, the Borno South senator did not mince words:

“I pity Tinubu. Goodluck Jonathan had 22 PDP governors behind him in 2015 — and he still lost.”

Ndume’s warning comes in the wake of the highly publicized endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by 22 APC governors for a second term in 2027  an event he openly opposed and walked out on.

But what lies beneath this political tension? Is it just dissent, or is Ndume tapping into a growing national anxiety over political overconfidence and disconnect from public reality?

History Repeats — If We Ignore Its Lessons

In 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan had all the trappings of elite support. Backed by 22 state governors, wielding the full power of incumbency, and controlling major federal structures, he looked unbeatable. Yet, when the votes were counted, he was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari, a former military general riding on a wave of public frustration.

Why? Because endorsements don’t vote people do.

Jonathan’s loss was a masterclass in political miscalculation. Public fatigue, economic dissatisfaction, and insecurity proved more powerful than political endorsements.

Ndume’s invocation of 2015 is a cautionary tale, not a partisan jab.

Tinubu’s 2027 Endorsements: Symbol or Substance?

At the APC Governors’ Forum, Tinubu received overwhelming endorsement for re-election in 2027. But Senator Ndume remains deeply skeptical, arguing that endorsements without tangible governance results are hollow.

“You don’t win elections from inside the Villa. You win them in the streets, in markets, in classrooms, and in rural Nigeria.”

He insists that economic hardship, rising inflation, youth unemployment, and persistent insecurity have dulled the “Renewed Hope” mantra Tinubu campaigned on.

Nigerians Want Results, Not Rhetoric

Ndume's concerns echo a growing national mood. The following issues continue to plague the average Nigerian:

• Naira instability and rising fuel prices

• Unemployment among youth

• Insecurity in northern and southeastern states

• High cost of living and dwindling purchasing power

For many Nigerians, endorsements feel like elite theater, far removed from the daily grind of survival.

The Psychology of Voter Disillusionment

Political psychologist Dr. Emeka Okoye notes:

“The 2023 elections saw record levels of voter apathy. That’s not just about INEC or ballots — it’s about trust. When people don’t believe change is possible, they disengage.”

If the Tinubu administration does not close the trust gap through genuine reforms and people-centered governance, endorsements may be seen as tone-deaf, even insulting.

Cracks in the APC Wall?

Ndume’s statement also signals a possible crack in party unity. As a senior senator, his dissent is not trivial. It reflects deeper undercurrents:

• Internal dissatisfaction among northern APC stakeholders

• Frustration with uneven power distribution

• Growing fear of backlash in 2027 if real change doesn’t materialize

Some political insiders argue that if Tinubu fails to manage these tensions early, APC could face internal sabotage similar to what plagued PDP in 2015.

What Tinubu Must Do Differently

To avoid a political déjà vu, here are four things Tinubu’s team must urgently prioritize:

1. Address Economic Pain: Introduce immediate relief strategies — e.g., food subsidies, SME grants, fuel cost mitigation.

2. Reform Security Operations: Implement tech-backed community policing and deradicalization programs.

3. Engage Young People: Introduce visible youth employment schemes and digital economy incentives.

4. Strengthen APC Unity: Resolve internal rifts before they become national embarrassments.

Final Thought: Power Is Earned, Not Endorsed

Ndume’s comment isn’t just a headline  it’s a strategic wake-up call. In politics, victory is not built in boardrooms. It's forged in markets, mosques, churches, and street corners in the hearts and minds of voters.

If President Tinubu’s team takes this warning seriously, 2027 can still be theirs to win. But if they dismiss Ndume’s caution as mere noise, they risk repeating the very mistake that unseated Jonathan.

The countdown has already begun.

🖊️ By WorldWire News – Political Analysis Desk