The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, announced on Tuesday that the party intends to correspond with the Senate to reinstate Senator Ali Ndume as Chief Whip, following his apology to the party.
Ganduje made this announcement in Abuja after a private meeting with the controversial lawmaker regarding his recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu, which led to his removal by the Senate two weeks ago.
Senator Ndume, who represents Borno South senatorial district and holds a senior position in the Senate, faced repercussions for his strong disapproval of President Tinubu’s policies.
A letter requesting Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip was endorsed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter during a Senate session, and Ndume was subsequently removed through a voice vote.
However, the events on Tuesday indicated the party's willingness to reinstate Ndume, given his apology to the party, as indicated by Ganduje.
Ganduje expressed, "We are content with his apology. As he stated, we summoned him, and as the party, we hold a position of authority for all. We are empowered to engage legislators, members of the executive, and all appointed party members in the government."
Ganduje emphasized that the issue involving Ndume is a matter within the party's sphere, and therefore, the party intends to communicate with the National Assembly to facilitate his reinstatement.
"It is an internal matter; we aim to resolve it and will correspond with the National Assembly to inform them of Senator Ndume's reconciliation with the party. As he has apologized to the party, we hope they will reconsider their decision," Ganduje stated.