Pressure Mounts on Akpabio to Sanction Ndume for Criticizing Tinubu
Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume’s persistent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has reportedly angered influential figures within the Presidency. These forces are allegedly seeking retribution for his outspoken comments.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, Ndume’s recent remark that President Tinubu is controlled by a new cabal in the Presidential Villa has triggered a coordinated response. Over the weekend, these forces reached out to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging them to reprimand Ndume for his perceived antagonism, which they find embarrassing to both the President and the ruling party.
Last week, Ndume, representing Borno South, claimed that President Tinubu had been “hijacked” by insiders within the Villa, restricting access to him, even for ministers. He suggested that the President might be unaware of the economic hardships caused by his policies. Ndume stated, “The President should wake up. He seems out of touch with reality because he has been isolated. He should meet those who will tell him the truth. I’m concerned for both the President and myself.”
The APC National Working Committee, over the weekend, rebuked Ndume, accusing him of making baseless allegations. APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed Ndume’s claims and labeled him an attention seeker.
A party insider revealed that a former lawmaker, now a presidential aide, prompted the APC to issue this statement and is pressuring the Senate President to take punitive actions against Ndume. This could include removing Ndume from the Senate Committee on Appropriation, where he is currently deputy chairman, and stripping him of his Senate Chief Whip position.
Akpabio faces a dilemma. Ndume was instrumental in Akpabio’s rise to Senate President, leading the Stability Group campaign. Sanctioning Ndume might divide Akpabio’s supporters and send a negative signal to the Northern Caucus, suggesting they are being targeted by the Tinubu administration through its allies in the National Assembly.
Sources indicate that some South-West senators, referred to as “Tinubu boys,” are pushing Akpabio to act against Ndume. These same senators were behind the suspension of Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi, despite objections from their peers.
Ndume has not responded to calls or messages from the Nigerian Tribune regarding these developments.
Meanwhile, the Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has expressed support for Ndume. CNF National Coordinator Mallam Abdulkadir Kura, while asserting no affiliation with Ndume, praised his patriotic stance on national issues. Kura emphasized the nation’s dire economic situation and endorsed Ndume’s courage in speaking out against the administration’s policies. He highlighted Ndume’s history of constructive criticism, which led to positive changes during previous administrations.
Kura condemned those attacking Ndume for his honest assessment, noting Ndume’s role as a significant APC stakeholder and close ally of President Tinubu. He called for recognition and support for Ndume’s boldness in addressing the current economic and social realities.
