Daniel Bwala accuses Senator Ali Ndume of planning to join the opposition coalition, citing his ongoing criticisms of President Tinubu’s policies and previous defections. Bwala's claims highlight growing tensions within the APC, as opposition leaders prepare for the 2027 elections.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, has accused Senator Ali Ndume of planning to defect to the opposition coalition. Bwala made these claims during an appearance on Channels Television's "Sunday Politics." This revelation comes amid ongoing tensions between the two politicians, especially regarding Ndume’s vocal opposition to President Bola Tinubu's policies, including the controversial tax reform bill.
Ndume, a senator from Borno South, has been critical of some of President Tinubu’s key legislative initiatives, though he has consistently stated that his criticism is focused on policy, not the president personally. Despite his stance, there have been growing speculations about his loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with some questioning whether his public criticisms are a signal of a potential defection.
Bwala highlighted past behavior of Ndume, referencing a similar defection in 2010 when the senator left the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after alleging unfair treatment. Bwala suggests that Ndume's actions—meeting with opposition members behind the scenes—are indicative of a pending switch to the opposition coalition.
The political dynamics are heightened as opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former governors Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, prepare for the 2027 elections. With El-Rufai already defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Bwala warns APC leaders, including Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, to be cautious of Ndume’s possible betrayal.
