2027: I won’t write off Obi, Amaechi, Atiku despite ‘no new ideas’ – Ndume

2026-03-20 - 14:54

The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has said the opposition has yet to present fresh ideas ahead of the 2027 presidential election but insisted he would not write off key figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) like Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Atiku Abubakar. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Ndume expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power. He said, “I am not worried because nobody is coming up with something new. Everybody is talking about it is either Bola Ahmed Tinubu or Atiku or Amaechi or Peter Obi. I don’t see anything that they put on the table. “The man holding the steering now is Tinubu, but those that are trying to take over, and the ADC itself, every day it’s here and there. Initially, I had a lot of confidence, but when you find people concentrating on themselves for the power they can get, it’s not a big deal. “Up till now, despite the fact that they have strong personalities, they have not been able to actually put their house in order. But you can’t underrate any opposition, no matter how small. “Remember, that was how PDP was thinking about APC initially — that APC is not serious. Buhari tried several times; he didn’t make it. So, I’m not writing Atiku, Obi or Amaechi off.” Asked whether Nigerians should reject Tinubu at the polls in 2027 over unmet expectations, Ndume said the decision ultimately rests with the electorate. According to him, while the President has recorded some achievements, they have been overshadowed by insecurity and poor welfare conditions. He said improving security, power supply, and citizens’ welfare would be key to securing public support for the APC. Ndume added that although many Nigerians may be dissatisfied with the ruling party, the ADC does not yet pose a serious threat. “As I said, our problem is the security and welfare of the people, and then keeping up with some of those things and getting them right. Some of the policies that the government put in place, if they start yielding results, Nigerians will be happy about it. One good thing about Nigerians is that they are forgiving; if you offend them and you ask for forgiveness or things turn around, they will put it behind. “So, don’t write APC off. I will not say Nigerians are happy with all that we are doing, but at the same time, I cannot say the opposition is a threat because we are all one — all the same politicians,” he said. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April 23 – May 30, 2026.