In a heated press briefing held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, youth clubs and associations in Borno State strongly criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its decision to remove Senator Ali Ndume as Chief Whip.
The move came after the APC leadership allegedly requested Ndume to leave the party, a demand that has ignited significant backlash from the local community.
Bulama Ali Sawa, the National Chairman of the youth groups, described the APC’s actions as “reckless” and “a slap in the face of Borno people.”
He emphasized that the removal of Ndume was seen as an unjust punishment for the senator’s recent criticisms of the government’s policies.
In an interview with Arise TV, Ndume had spoken out about the hardships faced by Nigerians, remarks that reportedly displeased the APC leadership.
The youth groups underscored Ndume’s numerous contributions to both the state and the nation, highlighting his support for education and his mentorship of young people as significant achievements that should not be overlooked. They expressed their strong disapproval of the APC’s decision.
“We condemn the APC’s decision in strong terms,” a spokesperson for the youth groups stated.
“Ndume has been a shining light in the darkness of Nigerian politics.”
The groups proceeded to pass a vote of confidence in Ndume and issued an appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene and reverse the decision.
They warned that allowing political vendetta to prevail could have detrimental effects on the party’s future.
“We appeal to President Tinubu to listen to the voice of reason and not allow political vendetta to destroy the party,” the spokesperson added.
The controversy surrounding Ndume’s removal has sparked a broader debate about the internal dynamics within the APC and the potential implications for its future.
The situation remains tense as party members and the public await a response from the President and the APC leadership.
