Did Senate, APC Sack Ndume For Constantly Calling Out the Goverment?

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate removed Senator Mohamed Ali Ndume from his role as Chief Whip. The decision carried out through a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saw the APC Senate Caucus overwhelmingly endorsing this dramatic change during a routine plenary session.

This action wasn’t just a mere reshuffle within the Senate. Senator Tahir Mungono from Borno North was promptly installed as Ndume’s replacement, indicating a swift and coordinated effort within the party ranks. 

However, this development raises eyebrows, especially considering the timing and the reasons that might be lurking behind the scenes.

The removal of Senator Ndume raises critical questions about the tolerance for dissent within the ruling APC and the Senate’s role in addressing or silencing criticism. Was Ndume sacked for his continual criticism of the government? 

Senator Ndume’s criticisms that echoed too loudly

Senator Ndume has been known for his outspoken nature and his recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration didn’t go unnoticed. 

Just a week before his ousting, Ndume expressed concerns about the President being “fenced off and caged,” highlighting serious issues such as the escalating food crisis and the lack of action from the current government.

These comments did not sit well with the pro-Tinubu camp within the Senate, particularly with figures like Senator Sunday Karimi who publicly criticized Ndume’s statements as derogatory. 

These criticisms, intended to highlight significant national crises, might have played a role in the subsequent actions against him.

Party politics and internal struggles

Following the backlash, the national leadership of the APC took a more drastic step by asking Ndume to resign from the party and suggesting he could join any opposition party of his choosing. 

This was not a mere suggestion but a clear indication that his outspoken nature against his own party’s governance was no longer welcome.

The dynamics within the Senate also reveal a complex web of political alliances and rivalries. While Ndume had significant support in the North and had been instrumental in Akpabio’s rise to the Senate Presidency, his critical stance on government policies put him at odds with many of his colleagues from the South West and even within his party.

Northern support and calls for celebration

Despite these challenges, there is a significant amount of support for Ndume in the North. 

The Concerned Northern Forum issued a statement applauding Ndume for his bravery in speaking the truth about the economic and social realities facing Nigerians. 

They argue that such honesty should be celebrated rather than punished, reflecting a deep division within the party and among the public.