By Onyeanya Ebere
Senator Ali Ndume has warned that President Bola Tinubu could face a major electoral upset similar to what befell former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 if he fails to tackle the country’s economic crisis and rising public dissatisfaction.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, the former Senate Chief Whip drew parallels between Jonathan’s fall from power and the current state of affairs under Tinubu, despite widespread endorsements from party stakeholders.
“Jonathan had 22 governors behind him and still lost. Tinubu could suffer the same fate if he doesn’t learn from that experience,” Ndume cautioned.
The Borno South senator argued that the endorsements currently pouring in for Tinubu may create a false sense of security, just as they did for Jonathan ahead of his defeat by then-opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Ndume said while the president has maintained that it is not yet time for politics, many politicians are already campaigning under the guise of endorsements.
“I pity Mr. President. Though he said this is not the time for campaigns, the campaigning has already begun. He must not be complacent,” he said.
Ndume also expressed concern about speculations that some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), might be handed automatic return tickets. According to him, such moves risk sidelining the party’s grassroots supporters who are critical to any successful election.
“When the rumour about automatic tickets for National Assembly members emerged, the party denied it. But if these supporters feel ignored, who will be the foot soldiers during elections? You can’t depend on governors alone,” he warned.
He urged President Tinubu to move quickly and implement policies that directly address the suffering of Nigerians.
“There’s still time. If the president focuses on making Nigerians truly happy in the next two years, he may have no serious challenger in the next election,” Ndume concluded.
