Democracy or demo-autocracy? Senator fired for criticizing Tinubu

Democracy at an end in Nigeria as Senator loses standing in the Senate following his criticism of the President and the current administration.

The Nigerian Senate has ousted Senator Mohamed Ali Ndume from his position as Chief Whip following his recent outspoken criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The decision, put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saw Ndume replaced by Senator Tahir Mungono.

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The move comes shortly after Ndume’s public remarks about the administration’s inaccessibility and failure to address Nigeria’s rising cost of living and food scarcity.

Ndume, alongside Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, had sponsored a motion highlighting the food crisis, which he claims is exacerbated by the government’s closed-door policy that goes against Democracy.

In a BBC Hausa interview, Ndume lamented, “The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly.”

Following his removal, the APC leadership, through a letter signed by National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Secretary Barrister Ajibola Bashiru, has urged Ndume to resign from the party altogether.

This unfolding saga raises questions about the party’s tolerance for criticism and the future of Ndume’s political career.