Senate Leader Ali Ndume has raised serious concerns about the growing trend of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the party faces potential internal collapse if the situation continues unchecked.
Warning Against Political Overload
The prominent senator from Borno South sounded the alarm during his acceptance speech at the late Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture held at NICON Luxury in Abuja on Sunday night. Ndume received the award for "Most Outstanding Legislator and Advocate of National Unity" but used the platform to deliver a stark political warning.
"I have warned that the APC is becoming overloaded and when you overload a ship, especially with mostly empty cargo, it risks capsizing," Ndume stated emphatically. He elaborated that if the party collapses under the weight of these defections, the consequences would be severe for its leadership.
Questioning the Value of Defectors
Ndume expressed particular concern about the quality of politicians joining APC ranks, noting that many recent defectors bring little substantive value to the party. His comments come amid increasing movements of governors and federal lawmakers from opposition parties to the ruling party.
The senator observed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears uncomfortable functioning as a minority or opposition force. However, he clarified that neither President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nor the APC leadership has actively courted these opposition figures to switch allegiance.
Call for Unity and Selfless Service
Emphasizing the need for internal cohesion, Ndume appealed to party leadership with the proverb "charity begins at home." He urged unity behind President Tinubu, describing him as a true leader who cannot single-handedly bear the entire burden of governance.
"One person cannot be the captain, the player, the goalkeeper, and the striker all at once," Ndume remarked, highlighting the collective responsibility required for effective governance. He pointed to the selfless examples of First Republic leaders including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello as models for contemporary public office holders.
Ndume concluded by acknowledging his own critical stance toward the administration, explaining that his outspokenness stems from concern that people might perceive the government as failing, despite having a leader willing to listen to constructive feedback.
