The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned former Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume over his recent comments, warning that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s treatment awaits President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The APC stated that while it allows differing opinions, it also has established procedures for disciplining members who engage in misconduct.
Bala Ibrahim, APC’s Director of Publicity, stated in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Monday that the ruling party is open-minded and welcomes a variety of viewpoints without conflict.
Speaking on Sunday, Ndume expressed fear that an upset awaited the president at the next poll if he failed to learn from the shocking defeat of Jonathan in 2015.
Ndume issued the warning while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.
In the 2015 presidential election, Jonathan ran for the Peoples Democratic Party but was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari, the APC candidate.
The former military leader received 15,424,921 votes, while the then-president received 12,853,162 votes, finishing second.
The election was historic as it marked the first time an incumbent president lost a re-election bid in Nigeria.
“Tinubu could be given the Jonathan treatment because Jonathan also had 22 governors who endorsed him like we do now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully,” Ndume said.
The congressman expressed concern that history would repeat itself if Tinubu failed to address what he termed as “crippling economic hardship” and an increasing tide of public anger.
According to the Borno South senator, the APC’s large endorsements and popular backing may provide a false sense of security that would be exposed at the polls, as in Jonathan’s case.
“We are not learning our lesson. I pity Mr President. Even though he once said this is not the time for campaigns, look around; the campaigning has already started under the guise of endorsements,” he said.
The senator advised against complacency, particularly in light of rumours that certain APC officials were proposing automatic tickets for sitting MPs.
