Quick Summary:
APCOverload2025 as Senator Ali Ndume warns that the All Progressives Congress may face instability due to the influx of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging unity and caution within the ruling party.
Warning Over Rising Defections
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has cautioned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) risks internal collapse if it continues to absorb large numbers of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition groups.
Speaking at the 6th Annual Nnamdi Azikiwe Award Lecture 2025 in Abuja, Ndume said the APC has “no choice but to accept displaced politicians” but warned that the party could become “overloaded” and unstable as a result.
“In fact, I warned that APC is being overloaded, and when you have a ship and you have loaded cargo, there are chances you will capsize,” he said.
Call for Unity and Support for Tinubu
Ndume emphasized the need for political unity and urged all parties to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in moving the country forward.
He said, “Our president is a leader, and that comes to the topic of today. What we need is for charity to begin at home. Let us be united.”
The senator also criticized opposition parties for focusing on power struggles ahead of the 2027 elections, rather than contributing to national development.
“We are far away from 2027, yet the PDP is gathering in Ibadan to say they want to throw away APC. Wait until then. Come and contribute to the success of the government,” he added.
Concerns Over Party Stability
Ndume likened the APC’s situation to a ship carrying too much cargo, warning that the influx of defectors could weaken the party’s internal cohesion.
“When your brother is displaced because of crises in his party and he knocks at your door, will you leave the door closed or open it for him? That is what is happening to us,” he said.
He noted that many of the new entrants “are not contributing anything” to the party’s growth, adding that they “just sit down and be part of it.”
Political Context
Ndume’s remarks came in response to comments by former Governor Mu’azu Aliyu, who said the PDP had removed the “cancer” destroying the party by suspending certain chieftains. Ndume wished the PDP well but questioned whether the party could recover in time to challenge the APC effectively.
His comments reflect growing concerns within the ruling party about maintaining internal balance amid rising defections and political realignments ahead of the next general elections.