For many Nigerians who are familiar with the political happenings in the country, especially the dramatic twists in the National Assembly, the name Ali Ndume is not strange. One of the longest-serving members of the legislative arm since Nigeria’s return to democracy, Ndume has maintained dominance over other politicians eyeing the Borno South Senatorial District seat in North-East Nigeria, keeping his seat in the National Assembly for 21 unbroken years.
For the record, the six-term federal lawmaker has been in the National Assembly since 2003. He first represented Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency in Borno State for two terms (from 2003 to 2011) in the House of Representatives. He proceeded to the Senate in 2011 when he was elected to represent Borno South Senatorial District, a seat he has kept to date.
Vocal and unsparingly blunt, the 64-year-old All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain is wont to always speaking his mind on key issues.
His recent scathing criticisms of the state of economy and security were considered intolerable by the Abdullahi Ganduje-led APC which called for the lawmaker’s removal over “uncouth and rabid outbursts” against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Consequently, Ndume was stripped of his position as a principal officer position in the Senate on Wednesday. He was removed as the Chief Whip and as Vice-Chairman of the Appropriation Committee. He was then announced as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism.
Here are some top videos capturing Senator Ndume’s stance on national issues:
In the beginning…
Ndume backed former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi to be APC flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election but ex-Lagos governor Tinubu won the keenly contested primary.
After The Poll…
Shortly after the impressive performance put up by Labour Party’s flag bearer Peter Obi at the poll in February 2023, Ndume said the Labour Party’s performance showed that Nigerians are tired of the APC administration which began with former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2015.
Senate President Race…
Ndume tried to be Senate President but stepped down for Godswill Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom governor, who would later announce the Borno Senator’s removal as Chief Whip on Wednesday.
Other comments on national issues: