I will not be cowed, I stand by my utterances, thieves, kakistocrats ruling Nigeria – Ndume insists
Senator Ali Ndume has firmly reiterated his stance against the current leadership in Nigeria, labeling them as “thieves” and “kakistocrats.”
He emphasized his commitment to speaking out against the government’s actions, stating, “I will not be cowed.”
Ndume’s remarks come amid ongoing criticism of the ruling administration, which he accuses of mismanagement and corruption. He claimed that President Bola Tinubu has been “caged” in the Presidential Villa and is unaware of the widespread hunger in Nigeria due to forces preventing well-meaning Nigerians from discussing the truth with him.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) leadership, led by National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and National Secretary Bashir Ajibola, demanded Ndume’s resignation as Senate Chief Whip over his “anti-Tinubu comments.” The party accused him of being a “mole” and undermining the government’s efforts.
Ndume, however, maintains that he did nothing wrong and stands by his statements. He sees his removal as an act of God and bears no grudges. Ndume, a founding member of the APC, stated that he would consult his people before deciding whether to leave the party or not.
Ndume also declined the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Tourism, offered to him by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday. He argued that he lacks the necessary experience and exposure for such a role.
“I did not say anything wrong. And therefore I want to state that I stand by all my statements in the interview I granted,” Ndume insisted.
Having served as the Senate leader in the eighth assembly, Ndume revealed that he never aspired to be the chief whip. He was given the opportunity to choose a committee vice-chairmanship role after successfully leading the campaigns that resulted in Godswill Akpabio becoming Senate President.
“The party recommended my removal as chief whip, which I take as an act of God. If God gave me that position, it is God who took it through the APC. So, I bear no grudges,” Ndume said. “I did not contest to be the chief whip or vice-chairman of the appropriation committee. I contested to be one of the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and God granted me that victory.”
Regarding suggestions that he leave the APC, Ndume emphasized his foundational role in the party. He highlighted that he was among the twenty-two senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who helped form the APC, with current national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje then serving as Kano State’s deputy governor.
Ndume recalled when former President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside President Bola Tinubu, instructed him to sign a document to join the APC at the Imo House in Abuja. He consulted his constituents before making any public statements and intends to do so again before deciding on his future with the APC.
Finally, Ndume explained his delay in speaking out after his removal, citing the mourning period for a deceased family member.
