Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South and a former Senate Chief Whip, has issued a stark warning regarding the precarious state of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of President Bola Tinubu. In a series of interviews, Ndume, a card-carrying APC member, expressed profound dissatisfaction, cautioning that the party faces a significant risk of political implosion. His primary concerns revolve around unprincipled defections and what he describes as an increasingly dysfunctional government, likening the APC to an “overloaded ship destined to sink” if it continues to accept defectors without discernment, jeopardizing the future of the country.

Ndume highlighted the growing trend of politicians “jumping ship” solely for political survival, arguing that such actions erode the credibility and principles essential for a robust democracy. Despite repeated invitations to join an emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, Ndume insists he remains with the APC, at least for now. However, his loyalty is conditional, stating he will reconsider his position if the party fails to correct its course, emphatically declaring, “I will not go down with a sinking ship.” He acknowledged the emergence of an opposition coalition as a necessary democratic development, lamenting the failure of parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party to offer meaningful opposition, which he believes is crucial for true democracy.

The Borno South Senator offered a candid assessment of the current National Assembly, lamenting that it has ceased to function as a deliberative body. Instead, he asserts it has devolved into a “rubber-stamp” institution primarily serving to approve executive decisions. Ndume decried the erosion of legislative independence, warning that this lack of checks and balances could ultimately destabilize governance, contributing to a personalized and privatized government where the division between the executive, legislature, and judiciary is blurred.

A significant portion of Ndume’s criticism focused on President Tinubu’s leadership, particularly his choice of advisors. He urged President Tinubu to surround himself with individuals who are capable of telling him the truth, rather than “yes men” or “dependents” who cannot challenge him. Ndume stated that this situation “portends a bad omen for the country” and candidly described the administration as a “government of ‘Kakistocrats’ and kleptocrats.” He argued that as a former “kingmaker” who became a “king,” Tinubu must identify this problem himself to ensure he has people who will stand up to him.

Ndume also strongly criticized President Tinubu’s handling of regional diplomacy during his tenure as ECOWAS chairman. He contended that the administration missed critical opportunities to resolve tensions with countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, leading to their withdrawal from ECOWAS. According to Ndume, this fallout is worsening security in Nigeria’s border states as militant groups exploit regional instability. He lamented that the President remained “insulated by his close circle,” failing to utilize Nigeria’s elder statesmen for diplomacy, thereby weakening Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and bearing the consequences in renewed insurgency and cross-border violence.

On specific internal issues, Ndume urged the President to fire those responsible for compiling the recent June 12 honorees list, citing glaring errors such as posthumously honoring a living person. He described the incident as “embarrassing” to the President and indicative of “error of omission, commission and stupidity” within the government.

The Senator further weighed in on the contentious situation involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Ndume, who was the campaign manager for Rotimi Amaechi’s presidential bid in 2023, revealed that El-Rufai was initially part of Amaechi’s camp but later shifted his support to Tinubu. Ndume admitted to being “tempted to gloat” over the rift between Tinubu and El-Rufai, viewing El-Rufai’s ministerial rejection as “payback” for abandoning their group. Despite this, Ndume strongly believes that Tinubu “got it wrong” by not appointing El-Rufai, asserting that El-Rufai is one of the few who would have had the courage to speak truth to the President. Ndume defended his own political history, explaining his movement between parties as circumstantial rather than opportunistic, reaffirming his longstanding support for Amaechi, whom he believes still possesses the qualities to lead Nigeria effectively.

Concluding his critique, Ndume reaffirmed his unwavering mission to speak the truth, regardless of personal cost. Dismissing attempts to discredit him as a “frustrated lone wolf,” he defiantly stated, “I’m not a dependent of anyone. I have a duty to my conscience and my country and I will speak out, even if I stand alone.”