Ndume: APC’s Biggest Threat Is From Within, Not Opposition Parties

Senator Ali Ndume has backed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s warning about internal divisions in the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the ruling party’s biggest problems are within its ranks rather than among opposition parties.

The Borno South senator said opposition groups might appear determined and outspoken ahead of the 2027 general elections, but insisted that internal rivalries, political ambition and the failure to focus on ideas were more serious concerns.

“I think the Vice President was just blunt. We have more problems within than without because, seeing that the opposition, quite alright, they are both resilient, tough and talking big, but it’s not the major problem,” Ndume said.

He noted that politicians from different parties often had similar backgrounds, arguing that political competition was frequently driven by the pursuit of power rather than meaningful differences in ideas.

“That’s why they talk about personality instead of ideas, instead of events or debates on what to do and how to do it, and that’s dangerous,” he added.

Ndume further accused politicians of taking Nigerians for granted, stressing the need for political leaders to prioritise policy debates and workable solutions to the country’s problems.

The senator’s comments came after Shettima warned that internal disagreements within the APC were more concerning than the challenges posed by its political rivals.

The Vice President made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja at the unveiling of the campaign head office of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a northern coalition backing the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. He also inaugurated the coalition’s campaign structure.

“Honestly, I am not afraid of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I am not afraid of a diminished Peter Obi. But I am more afraid of internal contradictions within our household,” Shettima said.

He urged party members to close ranks, maintaining that unity would be critical to the APC’s chances in the coming elections.

“If we unite as a people, as a family, we will conquer,” the Vice President said.

Shettima also warned northern political leaders against supporting Tinubu at the presidential level while undermining APC candidates in state governorship contests.

“There is no point in championing the cause of the presidential election and then undermining the governor in the gubernatorial election. Honestly, it will not go down well with the system,” he said.

He called on party faithful to support APC governors, National Assembly members and Tinubu as the party prepares for the next round of elections.

“Let’s rally round our governors. Let’s rally round our members of the National Assembly. Let’s rally round President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and see to the victory in the next round of elections,” Shettima added.

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