‘APC Overloaded With Empty Cargoes’, Ndume Warns Amid Defections Surge

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the rising wave of defections into the party, warning that the influx could trigger internal instability.

Speaking on Sunday night at the Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture in Abuja, the Borno South lawmaker expressed concern that some defectors crossing from the opposition offer “no real value” to the APC.

Ndume likened the situation to an overloaded ship at risk of capsizing. “I have warned that the APC is becoming overloaded. And when you overload a ship, especially with mostly empty cargo, it risks capsizing,” he said.

The senator noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears uncomfortable in opposition, insisting that APC leaders are not actively wooing defectors.

“When a brother displaced by crisis knocks, do you shut the door?” he asked.

Ndume, however, faulted a trend where defectors are immediately elevated to leadership positions in their new political base.

“It’s like leaving one church for another and wanting to become the pastor in charge, or converting to Islam and insisting on becoming an Imam. Naturally, this creates confusion,” he added.

He urged Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu as his administration tackles national challenges, but maintained that several appointees “lack the capacity” required for their roles.

“The government is overloaded with kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and they must be removed for progress to be made,” he insisted.

Earlier, the wife of Nigeria’s first president, Dame Uche Azikiwe, praised organisers of the lecture for preserving the legacy of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

She urged current leaders to emulate the selflessness of First Republic politicians.