APC Engages Senate Leadership to Reinstate Senator Ali Ndume as Chief Whip

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has initiated discussions with the Senate leadership to reinstate Senator Ali Ndume as Chief Whip, a month after he was removed from the position.

Senator Ndume, representing Borno South, was ousted after publicly criticizing President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party. Ndume had claimed that the President was being “caged” and shielded from the realities of the hardships Nigerians were facing, a remark that displeased the APC leadership.

Following his criticism, the APC replaced Ndume with Senator Tahir Monguno of Borno North, acting on a directive from APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and National Secretary Senator Basiru Ajibola.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, confirmed the replacement through a voice vote, which was supported by the APC senators.

However, last Tuesday, a remorseful Ndume met with the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, where he issued an unreserved apology for his earlier statements. After the two-hour closed-door meeting, Ndume expressed his regret to the party leadership, which accepted his apology, framing the incident as a “family affair.”

Confirming the development, APC National Chairman Ganduje stated that the party had initiated consultations with the Senate leadership to review Ndume’s removal. A source at the party secretariat revealed that discussions had begun with the Senate, labeling the matter as a family issue.

Nze Chidi Duru, Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, confirmed the ongoing consultations, noting that the decision ultimately rests with the Senate leadership. He emphasized that the APC is a law-abiding party that welcomes members who acknowledge their mistakes and adhere to the party’s constitution.

Bala Ibrahim, the National Publicity Director of the APC, also supported the potential reinstatement, noting that reshuffling and reassigning portfolios is common in both the executive and legislative branches of government.

He highlighted that Ndume, as a senior senator, could be reinstated if deemed suitable, stressing that the APC aims to maintain a harmonious relationship within the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership.