The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has initiated discussions with the Senate leadership to potentially reinstate Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate Chief Whip. This comes a month after Ndume, who represents the Borno South Senatorial District, was removed from the position following his public criticisms of President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
Ndume had claimed that President Tinubu was isolated from the realities faced by Nigerians, a statement that drew the ire of the ruling party. Consequently, he was replaced by Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, through a directive from the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and National Secretary, Senator Basiru Ajibola.
After a recent two-hour meeting with the APC National Working Committee in Abuja, Ndume issued an unreserved apology, which the party has accepted. APC National Chairman Ganduje described the situation as a “family affair” and confirmed that the party is now working to communicate the reconciliation to the National Assembly.
According to sources within the APC, the party has begun consulting with Senate leadership to consider reinstating Ndume to his former position. The Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, confirmed these consultations, stating that while they may not be public, they are essential for resolving the matter within the party.
Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Publicity Director, explained that the reinstatement is part of routine political adjustments, likening it to a cabinet reshuffle in the executive branch. He emphasized that such decisions are at the discretion of the Senate leadership and the party.
The APC’s leadership believes that Ndume’s experience and seniority make him a strong candidate for reinstatement, and they are working to ensure that any necessary consultations are conducted to maintain a harmonious process.
