'I stand by my utterances' - Ndume rejects new Senate role

Senator Ali Ndume has addressed his recent removal as the Senate Chief Whip, asserting that, after reviewing the circumstances, his actions did not justify his dismissal. 

Ndume's ousting came following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu's administration.

Two days after his removal, Ndume declined the Senate Committee on Tourism chairmanship, citing a lack of experience and exposure necessary for such a position.

Speaking from his home in Maiduguri, he mentioned he never aspired to be the Senate Chief Whip, having already served as the Senate leader during the eighth Senate.

Ndume shared that he was offered the opportunity to choose a committee to serve as vice-chairman due to his role in securing Godwill Akpabio's election as Senate President.

READ ALSO: 'Come and join us - SDP woos sacked Senate Chief Whip, Ndume

Will Ndume resign from APC?

On the calls for him to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ndume reaffirmed his status as a founding party member.

He recounted his involvement in the formation of the APC, being one of the twenty-two senators who left the PDP to establish the new party back when Abdullahi Ganduje was the deputy governor of Kano State.

Ndume noted that he consulted his constituents before publicly joining the APC at the request of former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his people.

The senator explained his delayed response to his removal, citing the mourning of a family member's death.