2027: Atiku Is No Threat but a Political Opponent, Ndume Says

Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a political opponent rather than a threat ahead of the 2027 general elections, while affirming his respect for the former presidential candidate.

Ndume made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

The lawmaker, however, cautioned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against underestimating opposition candidates, stressing that political opponents should not be dismissed despite differences in party affiliations.

He said Atiku and other opposition leaders deserved respect, adding that political competition should not be an excuse for personal attacks or disrespect.

“I’m one of those that have always been telling the APC not to underrate your opponent. Atiku is not a threat, he is an opponent in the Northeast,” Ndume said.

“Atiku and all other leaders in the opposition are people that I respect because politics has its limit and for me, morally, it does not allow me to run down anybody,” he added.

Despite acknowledging Atiku’s political influence, Ndume expressed confidence in the APC’s standing in his constituency, particularly Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

He argued that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under which Atiku is seeking the presidency, would struggle to secure significant support in the area.

Ndume claimed that the ADC would not obtain up to 20 per cent of the votes in Gwoza, which he said had approximately 200,000 registered voters.

“In Gwoza, we have about 200,000 registered voters, and the ADC will not get 20 per cent of our vote. Go and find out if ADC is present anywhere in Gwoza,” he stated.

The senator also referred to the outcome of a previous bye-election in one of the local government areas, questioning the level of electoral support Atiku and his political platform commanded in the area.

Ndume’s comments come amid preparations by political parties for the 2027 general elections and growing exchanges between the ruling APC and opposition figures over their respective political strengths and prospects.