2027 Elections: Senator Ali Ndume Warns Tinubu, Threatens to Leave APC if Things Don’t Change
Prominent Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Ali Ndume, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), hinting at a possible defection if the government continues to struggle with addressing Nigeria's major challenges.
Ndume, who currently represents Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is a former Senate Chief Whip, made these remarks during a revealing interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. His statements have stirred political debate and highlighted growing dissatisfaction among even long-time APC loyalists.
Senator Ndume: “The Overloaded Ship Will Sink”
Speaking frankly during the interview, Senator Ndume did not shy away from acknowledging the difficulties Nigeria currently faces under the APC-led federal government. According to him, unless urgent and effective action is taken by President Tinubu, the country and the APC itself are heading for disaster.
“I’m aware of the opposition coalition. I went to several of their meetings. I still believe this president can fix these things, but failure might cause me to move. The overloaded ship will sink,” Ndume declared.
His use of metaphor was both poetic and direct, painting a vivid picture of the party's current state. He described the APC as a “dangerously burdened vessel” that is at risk of capsizing if not stabilized immediately.
“I believe that Tinubu can be a successful president; that was my expectation. But if he continues this way, that ship—whether you load in other people or governors—you are just endangering the APC by pushing it towards capsizing,” he said.
He added further:
“As the president said, there is a vacancy in the ship. But if you overload the ship, it will probably capsize, and if it capsizes, you lose everybody.”
A Serious Warning from a Loyal Party Member
Senator Ndume’s comments are particularly significant because of his longstanding affiliation with the APC and his previous positions of influence within the party. For him to voice such strong concerns—and admit to participating in opposition coalition meetings—is an indicator that dissatisfaction within the ruling party may be more widespread than many realize.
Ndume's remarks reveal not just political maneuvering but deep concern over Nigeria's current state. The country has been grappling with rising inflation, high unemployment, growing insecurity, and general public disillusionment with government performance under President Tinubu's administration.
Political Realignments Ahead of the 2027 General Elections
With the 2027 general elections only two years away, Nigeria’s political landscape is already experiencing signs of turbulence. Many political actors, both within and outside the APC, are positioning themselves for potential realignments. Ndume confirmed that he has been part of several meetings held by opposition coalitions, signaling that 2027 may not be business as usual.
“They have been making overtures, but I told them I don’t want to jump from the frying pan into the fire. I have to be sure,” he said.
This statement reflects a man caught between loyalty to his party and frustration over its direction. While Ndume is clearly weighing his options, he has not made any definite decision about defecting yet.
On Political Defections: “It’s Not Based on Principles”
Senator Ndume also addressed the recent wave of political defections into the APC, questioning the motives behind these moves. He expressed concern that many of these defections were not ideologically motivated but driven by what he described as a "stick-and-carrot" approach to politics.
“Most people are not joining based on principles but due to the indirect stick-and-carrot politics. And that is not healthy at all,” he said.
Ndume’s criticism of opportunistic politics comes at a time when the APC has seen several high-profile politicians from other parties defect into its ranks. This includes former governors, senators, and influential figures looking to secure political relevance ahead of 2027. But Ndume warns that such strategy may backfire, as it risks swelling the ranks of the party with individuals who have no shared vision or ideology.
Preference for Reforming APC from Within
Despite his frustration, Ndume made it clear that leaving the APC is not his first option. Instead, he stated his desire to see the party improve from within. Comparing the APC to a house in disrepair, he said:
“I feel when you build a house and it’s leaking you don’t leave the house, you stay to fix it.”
This analogy sums up his political philosophy—he believes in fixing problems rather than running from them. However, his patience appears to be wearing thin, and whether he ultimately decides to stay or leave will likely depend on how the APC handles the country’s current crises moving forward.
Ndume Still Believes in Tinubu—But for How Long?
While the senator expressed disappointment, he has not entirely given up on President Tinubu. He emphasized his belief that the president still has the potential to steer the country back on course. However, that belief is clearly conditional.
“I still believe this president can fix these things,” Ndume said. But he quickly followed that with a cautionary clause: “Failure might cause me to move.”
This conditional support is likely to put additional pressure on the presidency and the APC leadership. If Ndume, a northern senator with strong grassroots support, defects to the opposition, it could trigger a domino effect, especially in regions already feeling marginalized or neglected by the current government.
Final Thoughts: 2027 May Be a Turning Point
As Nigeria moves closer to another crucial election, the statements made by Senator Ali Ndume serve as both a warning and a wake-up call. They reflect the frustration of Nigerians, the dissatisfaction within the ruling party, and the rising power of opposition groups.
Whether Ndume ultimately remains with the APC or joins the opposition, his voice will be a major factor in shaping the political narrative ahead of 2027. For now, he remains in the APC—but with one foot firmly watching the exit.
NaijaRush will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates on any new political alignments, statements, or shifts that may affect Nigeria’s road to the 2027 general elections. Stay tuned.
