Ndume Warns Tinubu: Learn From Jonathan’s Mistake or Risk Defeat in 2027

Senator Ali Ndume, a former Chief Whip of the Senate and a prominent voice from Borno South, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to draw critical lessons from the 2015 electoral loss of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Ndume said history could repeat itself if Tinubu ignores the growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians over economic hardship and mounting public discontent.

History Could Repeat Itself – Ndume

While speaking during Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, Senator Ndume drew parallels between Tinubu’s current situation and that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was defeated in 2015 despite significant support from party structures and 22 sitting governors.

“Tinubu could be given the Jonathan treatment because Jonathan also had 22 governors who endorsed him, like we did now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully,” Ndume cautioned. He referred to the 2015 presidential election in which Jonathan, despite running as the incumbent under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by over 2.5 million votes.

Ndume stressed that a similar fate could befall President Tinubu if the current administration fails to read the signs of rising economic dissatisfaction and public frustration. “We are not learning our lesson,” he warned, adding that internal endorsements may provide false hope if real issues affecting Nigerians are not addressed.

Crippling Economy and Public Anger Must Be Addressed

According to Ndume, the key to winning elections lies not in elite endorsements or political optics but in delivering tangible economic relief to the masses. He said that President Tinubu still has time to change the narrative, but warned that the clock is ticking.

“The suffering we’re talking about is just within two years. If in the next two years, the president can make Nigerians happy—really happy—then nobody will contest against him,” he said. The senator added that addressing issues such as rising inflation, unemployment, and food insecurity must be a priority if the APC hopes to retain power in 2027.

Ndume also emphasized that the people’s frustration is not just an economic concern but a political threat. “There is growing anger on the streets. The poor are crying. The middle class is shrinking. These are the people who vote. And they are watching,” he said.

Endorsements Are Not Enough—Tinubu Must Avoid Complacency

The lawmaker criticized the rising wave of political endorsements within the ruling APC, cautioning that they could create a false sense of electoral security for Tinubu and other party leaders. He said President Tinubu must avoid falling into the same trap that consumed Jonathan in 2015.

“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,” Ndume stated. He expressed concern that many APC stakeholders might be misreading the mood of the country by relying too heavily on endorsements while ignoring growing grassroots frustrations.

He warned that elite support, especially from governors and party bigwigs, does not automatically translate into electoral victory. “Endorsements don’t win elections. People do,” he emphasized.

Automatic Tickets and the Risk of Alienating the Grassroots

Ndume also weighed in on recent reports suggesting that some APC leaders are considering automatic return tickets for incumbent lawmakers. He said such moves could backfire, warning that neglecting party foot soldiers and grassroots mobilizers would spell doom for the party in the next elections.

“When the rumour came that National Assembly members might get automatic tickets, the party denied it. But the damage was done. The people are watching,” Ndume said. He stressed that relying solely on the governors and elite political figures to drive campaigns was a dangerous gamble.

“You cannot rely on governors alone. Who will be the foot soldiers?” he asked rhetorically. He urged the APC leadership to remain open and transparent in its internal democratic processes, which he argued would restore faith in the party among its rank and file.

A Call for Urgent Policy Shifts

In his closing remarks, Senator Ndume issued a passionate call for swift and people-centered policy shifts by the Tinubu administration. He reiterated that it is not too late for the president to regain the confidence of Nigerians—if decisive actions are taken now.

“There’s still time to turn things around,” he said. “Nigerians are not asking for miracles. They are asking for sincere, measurable, and impactful governance.” He urged the president to listen to the voices on the street, not just the voices in Abuja.

Ndume’s comments have sparked a nationwide conversation about the direction of the Tinubu presidency and the political risks that come with ignoring the electorate’s frustrations. As Nigeria approaches another critical election cycle, political observers say Ndume’s warning may be a crucial wake-up call for the APC.