By AMECHI.P. The accusation by Daniel Bwala labeling Senator Ali Ndume as anti-partisan lacks substance and seems more like a distraction than a grounded claim.
Ndume, a seasoned politician representing Borno South, has consistently shown loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), even when raising concerns about policies he believes could harm the party’s or the nation’s prospects.
His critiques, often centered on issues like hunger, insecurity, or skewed appointments, stem from a desire to strengthen the APC’s governance and electoral chances, not undermine them.
For instance, Ndume’s public statements, such as his July 2024 Arise TV interview, focused on constructive criticism of administrative policies, not personal attacks on President Tinubu or the party’s core. This suggests his warnings are precautionary, aimed at ensuring the APC avoids missteps that could jeopardize re-election in 2027.
In contrast, Bwala’s trajectory raises questions about his own influence and motives. Having left the APC in 2023 over the Muslim-Muslim ticket, only to return and secure a role as Special Adviser on Public Communications, Bwala’s rapid shift from critic to defender of Tinubu could be seen as opportunistic. His accusations against Ndume, including claims of mobilizing youths for violence or colluding with opposition coalitions, lack verifiable evidence and appear designed to curry favor with the presidency rather than address substantive issues.
Ndume himself dismissed these as attempts to gain “sympathy” or a “job,” pointing to Bwala’s limited political relevance in Southern Borno.
If anything, Bwala’s inflammatory rhetoric risks alienating party stalwarts like Ndume, whose grassroots support is vital for electoral success.
By framing Ndume’s warnings as disloyalty, Bwala might be the one steering the president toward divisive tactics that could weaken the APC’s unity and re-election prospects.
Ndume’s caution, far from being anti-partisan, seems a pragmatic call to keep the party grounded in public realities to secure victory.
