Jonathan Had 22 Governors and Still Lost — Ndume Warns Tinubu Ahead of 2027
By IDNN National Assembly Affairs Desk
Published: June 8, 2025
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reminding him of the 2015 defeat suffered by then-President Goodluck Jonathan despite having overwhelming elite endorsements — including 22 state governors.
Ndume, a senior figure in the Senate and former Chief Whip, made the remarks on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, urging Tinubu not to be lulled into complacency by high-profile endorsements.
“Jonathan had 22 governors behind him and still lost. It’s not about endorsements. It’s about the people,” Ndume warned.
APC May Be Repeating 2015 Mistakes
Drawing a sharp parallel between the present climate and the 2015 elections, Ndume expressed concern that Tinubu’s administration could face a similar backlash if urgent economic and governance reforms are not delivered.
“We are not learning our lesson. The grassroots are suffering, and campaigning has already started under the guise of endorsements,” he said.
Ndume specifically criticized moves within the APC to grant automatic tickets to National Assembly members, calling it dangerous and tone-deaf.
Party Disconnect From Grassroots
“If you alienate the foot soldiers, who will deliver the votes?” he asked rhetorically, arguing that power blocs in Abuja must reconnect with ordinary Nigerians.
He warned that any attempt to impose candidates or ignore popular sentiment could backfire during the 2027 polls.
There’s Still Time — But It’s Running Out
Ndume added that while the situation remains salvageable, time is ticking.
“If in the next two years, Tinubu can make Nigerians truly happy, then nobody will contest against him,” the senator said. “But if he doesn’t, 2027 could bring a rude shock.”
