Ali Ndume explains why he does not wear Tinubu’s crested cap, saying he will not pretend to support someone while acting against them
The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, has explained why he does not wear the crested cap associated with President Bola Tinubu, describing such displays of loyalty as potentially hypocritical.
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Ndume made the comment during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday while discussing political relationships and internal challenges within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The senator said he has no personal objection to Tinubu’s crested cap but would rather not wear it simply to create an impression of loyalty that may not reflect his true feelings or actions.
“It’s not that I don’t like Tinubu’s crested cap. You don’t have to fake the liking of somebody,” Ndume said.
He questioned the sincerity of politicians who publicly display affection or loyalty towards political leaders while allegedly working against them behind the scenes.
“You wear that cap in the afternoon and trample upon it in the night?” he asked.
Ndume argued that political support should come from genuine conviction rather than outward displays designed to please a leader or create a favourable public image.
“You don’t have to show that you like somebody. It’s within you,” he added.
The senator also criticised what he described as widespread hypocrisy among politicians, saying some leaders place personal interests above the collective goals of their political party.
According to him, the APC currently faces more serious challenges from within than from opposition parties.
Ndume said the opposition remains resilient and vocal, but argued that the ruling party’s internal contradictions represent a bigger concern.
He likened the situation to having a good product but poor marketers, saying those expected to promote the APC’s achievements are instead focused on their individual interests.
“We have a product. The marketers are not honest. Those that are supposed to sell our product are busy caring so much about themselves, not about selling our product,” he said.
Also read: 2027: Tambuwal Denies Defection Plans, Reaffirms ADC Loyalty
His comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with parties and politicians increasingly positioning themselves for the contest.
