Senator Ali Ndume warns President Bola Tinubu not to overlook ex-President Buhari’s lasting influence in Northern Nigeria. Following Atiku Abubakar’s visit to Buhari, Ndume stressed that even one vote matters—and Buhari’s grassroots support remains potent
Senator Ali Ndume has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against underestimating the enduring influence of former President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly in Northern Nigeria. In a live interview on Channels Television on April 11, Ndume stressed that Buhari retains powerful grassroots loyalty despite being out of office.
Ndume’s comments came shortly after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures paid a high-profile visit to Buhari at his Kaduna residence—an act some observers saw as politically symbolic ahead of 2027.
“Buhari might only have one vote, but that vote holds weight,” Ndume remarked. “His connection with the masses in the North is still very much alive. You can’t just ignore that. Even people in the marketplace would rush out to see him.”
The lawmaker, who represents Borno South, added that Buhari’s appeal has a near-cult following among the Northern electorate. He suggested that any loss of alignment with Buhari could spell political trouble for Tinubu, especially as political camps begin to form ahead of the next election cycle.
Ndume also highlighted his relevance, stating that his support should not be taken for granted. “Tinubu should be concerned about whether I’m with him, too. Every vote counts,” he said.
