The All Progressives Congress (APC) has initiated discussions to reinstate Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate Chief Whip, just a month after his removal from the position.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, was ousted following his repeated public criticism of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party. His remarks, in which he accused the President of being isolated from the harsh realities facing Nigerians, provoked the ire of the APC leadership.
In response to Ndume’s outspoken criticisms, the APC swiftly replaced him with Senator Tahir Monguno of Borno North, a move endorsed by the Senate following a directive from the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and National Secretary, Senator Basiru Ajibola.
However, recent developments suggest a potential reversal of Ndume’s fortunes. Following a two-hour closed-door meeting with the APC’s National Working Committee in Abuja, Ndume expressed regret for his actions and tendered an unreserved apology to the party. Ganduje confirmed that the party accepted Ndume’s apology, framing the situation as an internal party matter.
“We have accepted his apology and are communicating with the National Assembly regarding the situation,” Ganduje stated. He emphasized that the issue is being handled within the party’s framework, which views the matter as a “family affair.”
In the days following the meeting, sources within the APC indicated that the party has already begun consultations with Senate leadership to consider reinstating Ndume as Chief Whip. According to an anonymous party insider, the APC is working discreetly to facilitate Ndume’s return to his former position.
Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, also confirmed that consultations are ongoing, though he noted that the final decision rests with the Senate leadership. Duru highlighted the APC’s commitment to law and order within the party, stating that they are open to reconciling with members who are willing to acknowledge their mistakes and align with the party’s principles.
“Ndume has shown contrition and recognized the importance of following party protocols before going public with grievances. His reinstatement, however, is ultimately at the discretion of the Senate leadership,” Duru explained.
Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Publicity Director, downplayed any concerns over the move, noting that both the executive and legislative branches frequently reshuffle and reassign roles as necessary. He emphasized that Ndume’s potential reinstatement is a routine matter within party politics.
“There’s nothing unusual about this. Reassigning positions is a standard practice. If the Senate decides that Ndume is suited for the role of Chief Whip, there’s no rule against his reinstatement,” Ibrahim said, adding that the current Senate, under the leadership of Godswill Akpabio, is striving for unity and a smooth, conflict-free operation.
With the APC and Senate leadership now in discussions, all signs point to the possibility of Ndume’s reinstatement as Senate Chief Whip, signaling a resolution to the internal conflict within the party. Whether or not this reinstatement happens, it is clear that the APC is navigating its internal dynamics carefully to maintain cohesion within its ranks.