Don’t underestimate ADC, Ndume tells APC

The senator representing Borno South senatorial district, Ali Ndume (APC), on Friday warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) not to take Nigerians for granted ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should not be underestimated.

Ndume, who spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, said that while politicians may be defecting across parties, ordinary Nigerians are watching developments closely and would ultimately decide the fate of political actors at the polls.

“The opposition ADC should not be taken for granted. No opponent should be taken for granted. You have seen what Obi did last time. Nobody was thinking he could pull that number. So we must not take anybody for granted,” he said.

He said politicians moving from one party to another should not be mistaken for mass public support, stressing that the electorate have become more vigilant.

“Politicians are decamping, but people are not decamping yet. They are watching. And if you take Nigerians for granted, you will pay dearly for it,” he said.

Ndume noted that many Nigerians were currently dissatisfied with the state of governance but may still prefer a familiar platform to an uncertain alternative.

“Nigerians are not satisfied with what is going on. But sometimes people prefer what they are familiar with rather than the unknown,” he added.

The senator said the APC government still had time to correct its course but warned that time is running out.

“I believe the president can turn things around, but time is running out,” he said.

He explained that while the opposition appeared focused on the next election cycle, his primary concern remained governance and delivery of mandate.

“I am more worried about good governance. I am not particularly worried about winning the next election. I am worried about serving the mandate my people have handed to me,” he said.

Ndume also said that insecurity and funding challenges remained major obstacles, arguing that without proper prioritisation of defense spending, efforts to tackle insurgency may suffer setbacks.

“Security and welfare of citizens are the main purpose of government,” he added.

He explained that delays and bottlenecks in the release of defence funds were undermining operations on the ground.

“When the president signs an appropriation act, it means he has agreed that these are the things that are to be done. The problem is lack of proper prioritisation in the implementation of the budget,” he added.

The lawmaker proposed that defence allocations be treated as a first-line charge to ensure timely disbursement.

On internal dynamics within the Senate, Ndume noted that decisions of the upper chamber should reflect the collective will of lawmakers and not be seen as that of one individual.

Ndume maintained that despite criticisms of the current administration, some of its programmes are commendable but require stronger execution.

He reiterated that Nigerians had become more politically conscious and could not be taken lightly.

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