Ali Ndume, the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, has threatened to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) if the party’s leadership permits it.
Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Ndume revealed that he had considered leaving the ruling party earlier but stayed due to his close relationship with President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that his decision to remain in the APC was motivated by his desire to see the president succeed, despite his grievances with the party.
“I am very close to Tinubu, and I don’t want him to fail, which is why I have endured some of these insults,” Ndume said. “If not for that, I would have left the party long ago. The party has even told me I can leave if I want. They’ve given me the option to apply for approval to go, and I will.”
Ndume’s frustration with the party stems from his removal as Senate Chief Whip in July. This came after a letter from APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and national secretary Basiru Ajibola, referencing an interview in which Ndume criticized the Tinubu administration. The party leadership then recommended that the Senate relieve him of his position, suggesting he leave the party if he continued to criticize the president’s administration.
In the aftermath of his removal, Ndume issued an apology for his comments and pledged not to criticize the government further.