By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Former Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume has called on Nigerians to unite behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a competent, attentive and forward-thinking leader who deserves the nation’s collective support to fulfil his mandate.
Speaking on Sunday at the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture held at NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, Ndume, who was honoured as the “Most Outstanding Legislator and Advocate of National Unity,” urged citizens to set aside differences and stand with the President to tackle the country’s present challenges.
He warned that the continuous influx of defectors from opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC) could lead to internal instability if not carefully managed.
“I have warned that the APC is becoming overloaded. And when you overload a ship, especially with empty cargo, it risks capsizing,” Ndume cautioned.
While acknowledging the political reality of defections, he was critical of politicians joining the APC without contributing to its growth. He compared the trend to “a pastor who leaves his church and immediately wants to become the pastor in charge of the new church”, noting that such actions only fuel disorganisation.
Despite being an outspoken critic at times, Ndume reaffirmed his belief in President Tinubu’s leadership and capacity to steer Nigeria towards progress.
“I call Asiwaju a leader because he listens,” he declared. “Some may wonder why I speak frankly at times. It is because I fear people may think we are failing when in truth we have a leader who is genuinely committed. No one man can be the captain, the goalkeeper, and a striker at the same time. The President needs capable hands around him.”
He pressed further on the need to eliminate inefficiency and corruption in government, stressing that only competent individuals should be given the responsibility to drive the administration’s goals.
The Borno South senator also appealed to Nigerians to put national interest above political divisions, stating: “Charity begins at home. Let us stand together behind our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With unity, we can move this country forward.”
In her remarks, Dame Uche Azikiwe, widow of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, commended the initiative behind the annual lecture. She advised today’s leaders to emulate the patriotic values of nationalists like Zik, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello.
“They are long gone but their legacies live on,” she said. “They were selfless leaders, not driven by personal interest. I am always happy when people remember Zik for his contributions to Nigeria’s unity.”