Ndume Backs Shettima, Says APC Faces More Problems Within Than From Opposition

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has supported Vice President Kashim Shettima’s concerns about internal divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the ruling party faces greater challenges from within its ranks than from opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ndume acknowledged that opposition parties were becoming resilient and vocal but argued that internal power struggles and the emphasis on political personalities over ideas posed a greater threat to the APC.

“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.

The senator argued that politicians across party lines often shared similar backgrounds, with their differences largely shaped by political platforms and competition for power. He warned that the focus on individuals rather than policies was undermining meaningful political engagement.

“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 said.

Ndume also accused politicians of taking Nigerians for granted, urging them to prioritise policy discussions and practical solutions to the country’s challenges rather than concentrating on personalities and political rivalries.

His remarks followed Shettima’s warning that internal disagreements within the APC posed a greater concern than the strength of opposition parties. The Vice President spoke on Saturday in Abuja at the unveiling of the campaign head office of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a northern coalition supporting the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, where he also inaugurated the group’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, stressing that unity would be essential to the party’s electoral prospects.

Shettima also cautioned northern political leaders against supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign while undermining APC governors seeking to retain their positions. He urged party members to rally behind the President, state governors and National Assembly members ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that divisions between federal and state-level campaigns could hurt the party.