In a statement on Tuesday, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, announced that the party intends to send a formal request to the Senate for the reinstatement of Senator Ali Ndume as Chief Whip, following his apology to the party.
Speaking in Abuja after a private meeting with the embattled lawmaker, Ganduje addressed the recent controversies sparked by Ndume’s criticisms of President Bola Tinubu, which had led to his removal by the Senate two weeks prior.
Senator Ndume, who represents the Borno South senatorial district and holds a senior position in the Senate, faced backlash due to his outspoken critiques of President Tinubu’s policies.
The decision to remove Ndume as Chief Whip was communicated to the Senate via a letter signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, read aloud by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and subsequently carried out through a voice vote.
However, Ganduje’s recent statements indicate the party’s willingness to reinstate Ndume following his apology, with the former Kano State governor expressing satisfaction with Ndume’s contrition.
Emphasizing the party’s role as a unifying force, Ganduje remarked, “We are pleased with his apology. As he mentioned, we extended an invitation to him. The party caters to all; legislators, members of the executive, and appointed party officials in the government. That’s why we chose to engage.”
Ganduje described the situation involving Ndume as an internal matter, affirming that the party plans to formally request the National Assembly to reinstate him.
He stated, “This is an internal matter that requires resolution. We will communicate the events involving Senator Ndume and the party to the National Assembly. He has apologized to the party, and we hope they will reconsider their stance.”