Abuja, Nigeria (August 6, 2024) – Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, publicly apologized to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday for his controversial remarks about President Bola Tinubu during a live television interview. Ndume’s apology comes a month after his removal from the Senate’s Chief Whip position following the interview on Arise TV, where he alleged that Tinubu had been isolated and was unaware of the hardships faced by Nigerians.
In a statement made after a two-hour closed-door meeting with the APC National Working Committee at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, Ndume expressed regret for not consulting the party before making his comments. He emphasized that his intention was driven by patriotism, despite the strong nature of his statements.
“I accepted the mistake of not talking to the party as a last point,” Ndume said. “I should have addressed my observations with the party before making them public. Moving forward, I will seek clearance from the party before speaking on such matters.”
Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip was enacted following a directive from the APC’s National Chairman Umar Ganduje and National Secretary Senator Bashir Ajibola. Senator Tahir Monguno of Borno North replaced Ndume in the role.
Addressing speculation about his party membership, Ndume expressed surprise at rumors of his expulsion. “I have not been expelled,” he stated. “The party is like a family to me. There was no indication that I was no longer wanted.”
Ndume also downplayed the need for an apology to President Tinubu or the Senate, asserting that his comments were not meant to insult. “The President did not take offense. I did not insult him or speak against the party,” he added.
APC National Chairman Ganduje confirmed that Ndume had apologized and expressed regret over the incident. Ganduje also revealed plans to write to the Senate leadership, requesting a review of Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip with the possibility of reinstatement.
“We are satisfied with his apology,” Ganduje said. “As a party, we consider this a family issue that needs resolution. We are writing to the National Assembly to convey the developments and seek reconsideration of Ndume’s removal.”