Why Ali Ndume Keeps Criticising Tinubu: Centre Management, Cash Flows & Political Fallout.
By HeadlineNews.News Political Affairs Desk
July 5, 2025 | Abuja
The Centre of the Storm: ICC Contract and Cash Flow
Senator Ali Ndume has ramped up his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in recent weeks. But at its core lies a deep grievance: Ndume’s company managed the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) until it was revoked, renamed, refurbished, and re‑branded as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Under Ndume’s watch, the ICC reportedly generated ₦60 million annually.
Since renovation, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike revealed the revamped centre brought in ₦650 million in just three weeks .
When Ndume’s firm lost management rights—without consultation—it set the stage for what analysts describe as a contracted professional grievance evolving into public political friction.
Political Realignment and Broken Alliances
Ndume was a key figure within the Buhari administration and, at one point, aligned with Tinubu’s APC cabal. However, ahead of the 2023 presidential election, he pivoted to support Rotimi Amaechi, backing him with APC figures Yemi Osinbajo, Abdul’aziz Yari, Bala Mohammed, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Sources indicate a pre-election understanding led by El-Rufai: Amaechi would run with Buhari’s support and later hand over to El‑Rufai by 2031 . Instead, Ndume and other cabal figures supported Atiku Abubakar under APC’s shadow coalition—outsiders who felt sidelined by Tinubu’s emergence.
Their influence is evident in the APC’s 2023 performance, which saw significant losses in Ndume’s home base—Borno, and allied power blocks like Nasarawa, Zamfara, and Kaduna.
Ndume’s Critique — Financial and Access Issues
Ndume’s recent remarks are anchored in two pressing issues:
Loss of Profit and Professional Exclusion
Ndume, accustomed to annual returns of ₦60 million, felt blindsided by a sudden termination and renaming of the ICC contract. The centre now generates revenues far exceeding previous earnings.
Blocked Access to Tinubu
According to Ndume, efforts to meet the President for appeal fell on deaf ears, compounding his resentment. He asserts his criticism stems from personal exclusion, not policy failure.
Expert Insight: Business or Battles?
Political strategist Dr. Hassan Idowu at the Centre for Democratic Governance says:
“This is less about public interest; it’s a business deal turned political vendetta. Nigeria’s politics often subsumes personal contracts under national narratives.”
Political analyst Dr. Chukwuemeka Okafor adds:
“Ndume’s critique resonates in Borno. Voters there are asking: why should a sitting senator be shut out from state-managed assets overnight?”
Potential Resolutions: Restoring Professional Integrity
Observers suggest pathways that could defuse the tension:
Contractual Review: An impartial audit of the procurement process that led to the revocation of Ndume’s contract.
Access to Dialogue: Ndume’s team should be formally invited for negotiation with the FCT Minister or National Economic Council to resolve the dispute.
Revenue-Sharing or Compensation: Given the centre’s success, consideration should be given to Temple agreements or compensation for lost revenue under Ndume’s management.
“You cannot surgically separate politics from contracts in Nigeria. When politicians control infrastructure, their trust level depends heavily on transparent negotiation.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, Governance & Public Policy Consultant
Conclusion: Political Fallout from Public Contracts
Senator Ndume’s disagreement with Tinubu’s government reflects a broader struggle: the intertwining of private contracts and public trust. Whether profit or principle, what began as a business dispute could shift Nigeria’s political alignment as cabinet players and regional elites evaluate the receipts of loyalty and fairness.
Filed by: Correspondent Musa Ibrahim
For HeadlineNews.News
COMMENTARY
“Power, Profit, and Politics: Why Senator Ndume Is at Odds with Tinubu’s Administration”
“When public contracts become tools for patronage, the line between governance and grievance blurs.”
— Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General
“From Contract to Criticism: The Inside Story Behind Ndume’s Feud with the Presidency”
“The personal is political — but in public service, accountability must rise above entitlement.”
— Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman
“Beyond the Podium: Ndume’s Loss of ICC Contract Fuels Political Backlash Against Tinubu”
“No one has the monopoly of power or privilege in a democracy. If one contract ends, others may begin — transparently.”
— Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State
“Grievance or Governance? Unpacking Ndume’s Persistent Attacks on President Tinubu”
“True leadership is revealed not in appointments, but in accountability. This era calls for governance, not grudges.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, National Patriots
“Political Fallout Over ₦650 Million: Ndume, Tinubu, and the ICC Controversy Explained”
“A system that once remitted ₦60 million yearly now earns ₦650 million in 3 weeks. That’s not sabotage — that’s reform.”
— Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister
“Broken Ties and Bitter Truths: How 2023’s Cabal Politics Still Haunt the APC”
“Those who once fought for ‘power shift’ now mourn their own irrelevance. Democracy moves on with or without them.”
— Nasir El-Rufai, Former Governor of Kaduna
NIGERIANS REACT:
1. “Power, Profit, and Politics: Why Senator Ndume Is at Odds with Tinubu’s Administration”
May God Almighty save Nigeria from these scavengers. They are out to bleed the golden goose that lays the golden eggs. What is this? APC or PDP or ADC or LP, the politicians are all the same in Nigeria. Vampires who suck the citizens blood!
They are our problem. So, Ndume wants to continue Milking the FCT rather that allowing them to generate revenue for infrastructural, housing, social welfare, medical facilities projects for the people! Ndume’ unpatriotic stance shows him as not suitable for the hallowed chambers. I have lost all respect for him. I was a Senator but not like this. He is a disgrace to the red chambers. Sending his children abroad and looking for money for their sustenance by stealing is unjustifiable. Tinubu doesn’t want to prosecute him because he is in APC, but I think they should prosecute bad eggs now. He will soon join his colleagues in ADC to continue his campaign of calumny against the President for stopping his corrupt ways and fraud.
Former Senator.
2. “From Contract to Criticism: The Inside Story Behind Ndume’s Feud with the Presidency” Thanks for this insightful report. Nigerians must be careful. Those condemning the President must not be taken seriously including the coalition. They are all corrupt and after their own personal interest. Poor Tinubu. I pity him. He has to suffer all the insult and Backlash because some greedy unpatriotic elements are not satisfying their greed to live an affluent life at the expense of Nigerians. Nigerians must start supporting Tinubu because he is making an effort to fix all what has been damaged since decades. It can’t be done overnight.
We must be patient because these other people are no alternative, they are opportunists who don’t mean well fir Nigerians. When they were in power, what did they do to help Nigeria or Nigerians? Nothing. So, are Nigerians stupid and gullible to think these pretenders and hypocrites will make a difference to their condition? Never. They will loot & loot & loot. God forbid anybody gets to that seat except Tinubu and he will appoint a successor after his 8th year as President by God’s grace.
Tokunbo Mohammed. Lecturer.
3. “Beyond the Podium: Ndume’s Loss of ICC Contract Fuels Political Backlash Against Tinubu”.
Tinubu is always. blamed for everything unfortunately. A corrupt shameless legislator lacks the moral right to condemn Tinubu on any matter. I am glad he has been exposed. Why can’t he be invited and prosecuted? We need to stop this attitude of respecting and protecting corrupt criminals like Ndume. ICPC should invite him over that ICC contract. Ndume is collecting enough allowance and padding deals in the Senate, must he take all contracts and deny Nigerian entrepreneurs?
This is too much. Nigeria must change.
Elder Statesman.
4. “Grievance or Governance? Unpacking Ndume’s Persistent Attacks on President Tinubu”. It is now clear to Nigerians that the meat removed from the dog’s mouth has caused it to bark ferociously. Ndume should know he is treading on eggshells now. He must stop attacking the President or he may face disciplinary action or prosecution if Wike sets up a Probe panel and top investigation. Any facts or evidence will lead to his conviction for fraud. He is not even supposed to obtain such a contract as a legislator. There are Nigerian companies in the private sector looking for such opportunities without luck. Serving Senators should let companies of Nigerians breathe. Enough is enough.
Samson Ibirevari, Banker.
5. “Political Fallout Over ₦650 Million: Ndume, Tinubu, and the ICC Controversy Explained”.
I knew Ndume’s issue is a matter of money but i didnt realise its this much! Wike is justified giving another company the contract to generate invaluable funds. Ndume should keep his mouth shut and assume a low profile as evidence could indict him of having collected over a billion naira in a year which amounts to fraud. EFCC should investigate him and expose the scam. Wike has done well. Ndume must be prosecuted.
Dr. Imran Khazaly, Coalition for Good Governance.
6. “Broken Ties and Bitter Truths: How 2023’s Cabal Politics Still Haunt the APC”. True, President Tinubu needs to evolve strategies to address these issues immediately as a leper cannot produce milk, but can throw the milk away. It’s important APC works hard on reconciling their aggrieved leaders as everybody has his value. Tinubu is a veteran politician and I hope he will rise to this immediately.
Prof. Olawale.
