I Pity Tinubu, Jonathan Failed Despite Endorsement of 22 PDP Go ernors, Says Ndume
Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has stirred political discourse with a bold statement expressing concern for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, drawing parallels with the political downfall of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
Ndume, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warned that endorsements from political elites may not translate to electoral success if public dissatisfaction continues to grow.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Ndume said he “pities” President Tinubu, stressing that strong backing within the political class can be deceptive.
He referenced the 2015 general election in which former President Jonathan, despite enjoying the support of 22 governors from the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari.
“I pity Tinubu,. People think politics is about endorsements, but they forget that in 2015, Jonathan had 22 PDP governors solidly behind him. He had all the state machinery, resources, and elite support—yet he lost. Why? Because the people wanted change,” Ndume stated.
Ndume’s remarks come amid mounting public frustration over the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, including the controversial fuel subsidy removal, inflation, and continued insecurity in various parts of the country.
The statement has been widely interpreted as a subtle caution to the president and his allies against complacency.
Despite some public shows of unity within the APC, there have been growing signs of internal tension. Several party stakeholders are reportedly concerned over the administration’s handling of the economy and rising cost of living, which have eroded public trust and increased hardship among Nigerians.
Political analysts see Ndume’s comments as a reminder that political calculations based solely on internal endorsements may fail if the electorate feels neglected or betrayed. According to observers, the senator’s reference to the Jonathan-era defeat is a significant warning that public sentiment remains the ultimate determinant of electoral outcomes.
As of the time of this report, the presidency and key APC figures have yet to respond to Ndume’s statement. However, sources within the party suggest the comment has sparked quiet discussions about the need to reconnect with the grassroots and address growing public discontent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ndume’s remarks, delivered with historical context and political foresight, underscore the unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics, where elite backing can quickly be overshadowed by the will of the masses at the ballot box.
