ABUJA — Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, has issued a strong caution to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the wave of political defections flooding the party, warning that the ruling party risks collapse if it continues to absorb politicians indiscriminately.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the remarks while addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday, June 26, 2025. He expressed deep concern that the APC, which he helped to build, is gradually being overwhelmed by individuals who once fought against the party but are now being welcomed in droves for selfish political gains.
According to him, the recent spate of defections into the APC threatens the ideological foundation of the party, erodes internal democracy, and risks sidelining loyal party members who have laboured to keep the platform afloat since 2013.
“The APC is gradually turning into a dumping ground. People who vehemently opposed our party in the past are now the ones being celebrated, while founding members are pushed aside. An overcrowded ship is bound to sink if the captain does nothing,” Ndume warned.
Though he stopped short of officially declaring his exit from the APC, the influential lawmaker hinted that he was “reviewing his political options” amid what he described as the party’s “ideological drift and indifference to founding loyalists.”
Ndume also faulted the APC’s failure to institutionalise internal reforms, alleging that appointments and decisions are now dominated by opportunistic alliances rather than merit and party loyalty. He added that such tendencies alienate core supporters and weaken the confidence of Nigerians in the political process.
His comments come amid a wave of high-profile defections into the APC from opposition parties — a trend widely seen as strategic alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the APC maintains that the surge reflects confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, critics within and outside the party warn that the strategy may backfire.
Political observers believe Ndume’s remarks could mark the beginning of open dissent among party elders, especially from the North-East, where there are growing concerns over perceived marginalisation and unequal power distribution within the party structure.
As at press time, there has been no official reaction from the APC’s national leadership regarding Ndume’s position. However, party insiders say back-channel consultations have been initiated to address grievances from prominent stakeholders and prevent a wider crisis.
Ndume is known for his blunt political stance and has never shied away from criticising his own party when he feels the interest of Nigerians or his constituency is being jeopardised.
