The All Progressives Congress has warned Ali Ndume, a former senate chief whip, over his recent comments, noting that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s treatment awaits President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The party claimed that although it accepts dissenting views, it also has policies in place for punishing members who act improperly.
Bala Ibrahim, the director of publicity of APC said this on Monday in an interview.
He noted that the ruling party is open-minded and welcomes a variety of viewpoints without conflict.
According to him, “As you are aware, Senator Ndume is a senior and respected member of the APC. This is not the first time he has made public his opinion about the way and manner the country is being governed by his party, sometimes expressing dissent or contrary views.
“But because the APC is a party of liberal-minded people, it doesn’t quarrel with diverse ideas, provided they do not violate the party’s constitution.
“It is a progressive party that is tolerant of people’s different perspectives, as long as they are perspectives that are inclined to progressive social and political changes.
He noted that the party respects others’ beliefs and advocates for reforms that promote freedom and equality.
“But, they must be done in a manner that is not injurious to the laid down rules of acceptable behaviour. If they go contrary, the party has a machinery for censorship or punishment, which are beyond my powers as a director.”
Ndume had earlier expressed his fear that an upset awaited Tinubu at the next presidential election if he failed to learn from the shocking defeat of Jonathan.
Speaking on Channels Television on Sunday, Ndume said in the 2015 presidential election, Jonathan contested under the Peoples Democratic Party but was defeated by the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.
The former military ruler secured 15,424,921 votes, while the then-president received 12,853,162 votes, placing second.
The election was historic as it marked the first time a sitting president lost a re-election bid in Nigeria.
“Tinubu could be given the Jonathan treatment because Jonathan also had 22 governors who endorsed him like we do now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully,” Ndume said.
The lawmaker feared history could repeat itself if Tinubu failed to address what he described as “crippling economic hardship” and a growing wave of public discontent.
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According to the Borno South lawmaker, the mass endorsements and public support seen within the APC may offer a false sense of security that could unravel at the polls, just like in Jonathan’s case.
“We are not learning our lesson. I pity Mr President. Even though he once said this is not the time for campaigns, look around, the campaigning has already started under the guise of endorsements,” he said.
The senator warned against becoming complacent, especially amid reports that certain APC leaders were advocating automatic tickets for sitting lawmakers.
