Senator Ali Ndume who represents Borno South has said that many members of the All Progressives Congress only pretend to love President Bola Tinubu.
They celebrate him in public and ridicule him behind closed doors.
The real political shock may come from inside the APC itself. Some people may smile for the campaign money then disappear when it matters most.
Ndume made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television Prime Time programme on Monday. He explained why he does not wear the crested cap associated with the president.
He said it is not that he does not like the cap. People do not have to fake liking somebody. Some wear that cap in the afternoon and trample upon it in the night. Many of them are doing that. You do not have to show that you like somebody. It is within you.
The former Senate Chief Whip described the practice of showing public loyalty without real commitment as hypocrisy. He accused some politicians in the ruling party of putting their personal interests above those of the party.
He argued that the APC faces greater challenges from within its own ranks than from opposition parties. Opposition politicians remain vocal and determined but internal problems pose a bigger concern for the ruling party.
Ndume said he shares the concerns raised by Vice President Kashim Shettima about divisions inside the APC. He noted that the opposition including the African Democratic Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress is resilient tough and talking big but that is not the major problem. The party has more problems within than without.
He used a simple marketing example to explain the issue. The APC has a product. The marketers are not honest. Those who are supposed to sell the product are busy caring so much about themselves not about selling their product.
He said the challenge is not a lack of political support but the conduct of those responsible for promoting the party and its leadership.
Ndume also warned that Nigerian politicians risk taking citizens for granted by focusing too much on personalities and power struggles instead of clear policies and solutions.
Opposition parties often talk about Tinubu rather than explaining what they would do differently. The same problem affects the ruling party because those meant to promote its record are not doing enough.
His comments come as the APC intensifies activities ahead of the 2027 general elections with leaders and supporters mobilising for Tinubu reelection bid.
Ndume has previously spoken about members feeling abandoned by the administration and has urged focus on making Nigerians happy through better governance.
