Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has raised alarm over the mounting defections of opposition governors and federal lawmakers into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning that the trend could destabilise the party.
Speaking on Sunday night at the Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture in Abuja, the Borno South Senator said many of those joining the APC “have no value to add” and could push the party towards implosion.
“I have warned that the APC is becoming overloaded. And when you overload a ship—especially with mostly empty cargo—it risks capsizing,” Ndume said in his acceptance speech. “The PDP is uncomfortable playing opposition. No one is going out of their way to persuade these people to join the APC. But when a brother displaced by crisis knocks, do you shut the door?”
Ndume argued that defectors often arrive with little commitment or contribution, despite being immediately elevated to leadership status in their states.
“It’s like a church member switching denominations and instantly wanting to become the pastor in charge, or someone converting to Islam and insisting on becoming Imam,” he said. “Naturally, this creates confusion in the political space.”
The Senator also urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as it confronts national challenges, noting that while the President is sincere, many of those appointed to help him “lack the capacity” required for their roles.
“We must be united behind our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said. “People accuse me of being critical, but I speak because I fear that people may think we are failing. One person cannot be the captain, player, goalkeeper and striker all at once.”
Ndume reiterated past criticisms, insisting that “the government is overloaded with kakistocrats and kleptocrats” who must be removed for progress to be made.
Earlier, Dame Uche Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first president, commended the organisers of the award for preserving the legacies of her late husband. She urged today’s leaders to emulate the selflessness of First Republic statesmen, including Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello.
“They are long gone, but their legacies live on,” she said. “Leaders of the First Republic were selfless—not like many leaders today who are focused on their pockets. I am always happy when people remember Zik and what he stood for.”
