Ndume Explains Why He Avoids Wearing Tinubu’s Signature Cap

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has explained why he does not wear the trademark crested cap associated with President Bola Tinubu, saying he does not believe in displaying loyalty that is not genuine.

Ndume made the clarification during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he criticised what he described as hypocrisy among some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmaker said his decision not to wear the President’s signature cap should not be interpreted as dislike for Tinubu, stressing that genuine support should come from personal conviction rather than outward displays.

“It’s not that I don’t like Tinubu’s crested cap. You don’t have to fake the liking of somebody. You wear that cap in the afternoon and trample upon it in the night?” he asked.

“Many of them are doing that. You don’t have to show that you like somebody. It’s within you,” he added.

Ndume accused some politicians of publicly demonstrating support for the President while allegedly acting against his interests privately.

He argued that such conduct amounted to hypocrisy and warned that public displays of allegiance meant little when they were not backed by sincere commitment.

The former Senate Chief Whip also said the APC faced more serious challenges from within its ranks than from opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, internal divisions and the pursuit of personal interests by some party members posed a greater threat to the ruling party’s cohesion and political prospects.

He acknowledged that opposition parties remained resilient and vocal but maintained that the APC needed to address its internal contradictions.

Using a business analogy, Ndume said those responsible for promoting the party’s achievements were more concerned about their personal interests than advancing its image.

“We have a product. The marketers are not honest. Those who are supposed to sell our product are busy caring so much about themselves, not about selling their product,” he said.

The senator also criticised what he described as personality-driven politics in Nigeria, arguing that political discussions should focus more on ideas, policies, programmes and practical solutions to national challenges.

He said politicians across party lines risked taking Nigerians for granted by concentrating on individual personalities and the struggle for political power rather than explaining how they intended to address the country’s problems.

Ndume’s comments come amid renewed discussions about internal cohesion within the APC as political parties and their leaders prepare for the 2027 general elections.

His remarks underscored his position that genuine loyalty and effective party leadership should be demonstrated through conduct and commitment, rather than symbolic gestures or public appearances.