“Tinubu Should Be Worried If Buhari Is Not on His Side” – Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against underestimating the political influence of former President Muhammadu Buhari, especially in northern Nigeria. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, Ndume stated that Tinubu should be worried if Buhari is not firmly in his corner, emphasizing that Buhari’s grassroots support remains deeply rooted, even after leaving office.

Ndume described Buhari’s followership as “occultic,” noting that while his influence may have naturally waned since leaving power, his popularity among the northern masses remains potent. “You can’t write him off,” Ndume said. “If Buhari is coming here now, you will see people rushing to see him. Everybody, including those in the vegetable market, will rush here. Buhari is still with the *Talakawas*,” he added.

The senator’s remarks followed a visit by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders to Buhari in Kaduna earlier in the day. Ndume also revealed plans to visit the former president soon.

He went on to stress the importance of every political figure’s support in the current landscape, stating, “Tinubu should be worried if Buhari is not on his side. Every number counts, and Buhari has one vote. Tinubu should also be worried about my position. Because I have one vote for him. He does not have a vote for me.”

The comments come amid speculation about a possible exit of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Buhari, a key figure in the CPC, was instrumental in its 2013 merger with three other parties to form the APC. Despite the emerging tensions, Buhari recently affirmed his continued loyalty to the APC, stating that he would not turn his back on the party that helped bring him to power.