By Milcah Tanimu

Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume’s recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s governance has drawn the ire of influential figures within the Presidency, who are reportedly pushing for repercussions against him.

The Nigerian Tribune reports that certain forces, displeased by Ndume’s assertion that President Tinubu is being controlled by a new cabal in the Presidential Villa, have reached out to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. They are urging action against Ndume for what they perceive as his antagonistic stance toward President Tinubu’s administration.

Ndume, representing Borno South, recently claimed that Tinubu has been isolated by individuals within the Presidential Villa, preventing key figures, including ministers, from accessing the President. He argued that this isolation has left Tinubu unaware of the economic challenges faced by Nigerians due to his policies.

“The President should wake up; it seems he isn’t aware of what is happening because he has been fenced off by plutocrats,” Ndume said. “He should meet those who will tell him the truth. I am very worried not only for the President himself but also for myself.”

The APC National Working Committee criticized Ndume’s allegations over the weekend. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party dismissed Ndume’s claims as attention-seeking and baseless.

A source within the party revealed that a former lawmaker and current presidential aide instigated the party to issue the statement condemning Ndume. This aide is also pressuring Senate President Akpabio to take punitive measures against Ndume, potentially removing him from his position as Senate Chief Whip and as deputy chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

However, Akpabio faces a dilemma. Ndume was the Director General of the Stability Group, which supported Akpabio’s emergence as Senate President. Taking action against Ndume could fracture the unity of Akpabio’s supporters and send a negative signal to the Northern Caucus.

Sources indicate that some senators from the South-West, known as Tinubu loyalists, are part of the orchestrated effort against Ndume. These senators previously pushed for the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central.

Ndume was unavailable for comment, not responding to calls or messages from the Nigerian Tribune.

In support of Ndume, the Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) released a statement backing his remarks. National Coordinator Mallam Abdulkadir Kura praised Ndume’s courage in addressing the economic hardships faced by Nigerians and criticized those attacking him for his statements.

“The nation’s economy is in a precarious situation, and well-meaning Nigerians must not be afraid to speak the truth about the excruciating pains caused by the economic policies of the Tinubu administration,” Kura stated.

The CNF emphasized Ndume’s long-standing practice of holding governments accountable and urged support for his candid remarks on the current administration.