‘We In APC Have No Choice But To Accommodate Our Displaced Politicians’ – Ndume

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Senator Ali Ndume says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is compelled to absorb large numbers of defectors from opposition parties, even as he warns that the ruling party risks becoming “overloaded” by politicians adding little value.

Ndume, who represents Borno South, made the remarks in Abuja during the 6th Annual Nnamdi Azikiwe Award Lecture 2025, commemorating the late statesman’s 121st posthumous birthday.
The lecture had the theme: “The Power of Pan-African Unity: Strengthening Nigeria’s Role in African Integration and Development.”

“We Have No Choice but to Accommodate Them” — Ndume

Responding to comments by former Niger State governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who claimed the PDP had “removed the cancer” affecting it, Ndume questioned whether the opposition party could still be revived.

“I wish you good luck. You said that you have removed the cancer. I do not know whether it is too late or your patient will be revived,” he said.

Ndume added that the APC had little option but to welcome defectors:

“We in APC have no choice but to accommodate our displaced politicians that are trooping into APC. Our president is a leader… What we need is that charity begins at home. Let us be united.”

He criticised opposition leaders for focusing on early electoral battles instead of contributing to national progress.

“We are far away from 2027, yet the PDP are gathering in Ibadan to say they want to throw away APC. Wait until 2027,” he said.

Calls for Unity Behind President Tinubu

Ndume urged opposition critics to prioritise governance, not 2027 calculations.

“Come and contribute to the success of the government.”

He accused some opposition parties of being “uncomfortable” in the minority and seeking relevance through defections.

‘APC Is Being Overloaded’ — A Warning to the Ruling Party

Despite defending the APC’s open-door policy, Ndume expressed concern that unchecked defections could weaken the party.

He famously warned:

“I cautioned that APC is being overloaded, and when you have a ship and you have loaded cargo, most of it empty, then there are chances you will capsize.
And if it capsizes, you, the owner of the ship, will be in a bigger problem. That is why we find ourselves.”

Ndume argued that many defectors do not contribute meaningfully once admitted:

“When they come into APC, they are not contributing anything. They do not say anything. They just sit down and be part of it.”

The senator acknowledged that the APC had sometimes invited opposition figures, but insisted that it was difficult to reject those arriving due to crises in their parties.

“When your brother is displaced because of a crisis in his party and he knocks at your door, will you leave the door closed or open it?”