Senator Ali Ndume says three people persuaded him to stay in the 2027 Senate race: President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and Borno Governor Babagana Zulum. That account is worth sitting with for a moment.
Ndume represents Borno South, a seat he has held continuously since 2011. Before that, he served two terms in the House of Representatives from 2003. A victory in 2027 would be his tenth general election and fifth consecutive Senate term.
His APC ticket is already secured. His main challenger, Abdullahi Askira, withdrew after internal party consultations. His constituents mobilised N38.5 million to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms.
What makes the story more interesting is Ndume’s recent history with the administration, which is now vouching for his continuation.
In July 2024, the APC stripped him of his position as Senate Chief Whip after he said publicly that Tinubu’s government was “caged” and disconnected from the daily hunger facing ordinary Nigerians. He was replaced by Senator Tahir Monguno. He has repeatedly warned the Senate against becoming a rubber stamp for executive bills.
