In an interview with DIP CONNECTS ONLINE NEWS, Buba Galadima, a prominent member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), warned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against contesting in the 2027 presidential election and accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of acting as Atiku's placeholder in the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
On President Tinubu’s Administration:
Galadima refrained from fully assessing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that a clearer judgment can be made after two years in office. However, he acknowledged widespread hardship and rising prices, suggesting the economy cannot be managed based on favouritism or friendships. While noting a slight drop in commodity prices, he suspected it was due to clandestine government-backed imports.
On the Situation in NNPP:
He maintained that the NNPP remains strong despite perceived turmoil. Galadima alleged that the APC is actively destabilising opposition parties, particularly in Kano State. He claimed the APC has withdrawn security support from the Kano governor and funds opposition efforts within the state, even offering a senator N90 billion worth of projects to undermine the NNPP-led administration. He also noted federal interference in the Kano Emirate crisis, accusing the ruling party of weaponising institutions against the state government.
On Party Defections:
Galadima denied that the NNPP is losing members to the APC, asserting instead that the party expelled them to maintain discipline. He highlighted Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s 2019 victory in Kano without elite support, reiterating that grassroots support remains the NNPP's strength. He dismissed claims that the NNPP is working with the APC, asserting that the ruling party continues to attempt to destroy both the NNPP and the Kano government.
On El-Rufai and the SDP Coalition:
According to Galadima, El-Rufai lacks public trust and political goodwill due to his history of betrayals, including Atiku, Obasanjo, Buhari, and now Tinubu. He believes El-Rufai is fronting for Atiku in the SDP to provide the former vice president with a political platform if pushed out of the PDP. Galadima dismissed El-Rufai’s leadership ability, claiming he is self-serving and politically inexperienced. He further argued that it is too early for opposition coalitions and that El-Rufai’s premature moves will eventually lead to failure.
On Kwankwaso and Potential Alliances:
Galadima confirmed that multiple political figures, including El-Rufai, have approached Kwankwaso for coalition talks. However, he emphasised that genuine coalition efforts should begin by mid-2026, when the ruling party’s strengths and weaknesses are more apparent. He cautioned against forming alliances out of frustration or political opportunism.
On the PDP and 2027 Politics:
He declared the PDP irredeemable due to internal divisions between groups led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, PDP governors, and Atiku Abubakar. He accused Wike of undermining the party’s structure and manipulating the judiciary, citing recent legal actions in Rivers State. Galadima said El-Rufai’s role in the SDP is meant to create a fallback for Atiku, should he lose out in the PDP.
On Zoning and Atiku’s Presidential Ambition:
Galadima rejected the idea of zoning power between North and South, describing it as undemocratic. He argued that any Nigerian, including Tinubu’s son, should be free to contest if the people support them. He advised Atiku to step down after decades of political ambition, suggesting he back a younger candidate or even his son, if qualified. He predicted that any strategy involving El-Rufai and the SDP would fail due to El-Rufai’s poor public image.
Advice to President Tinubu:
Galadima urged President Tinubu not to suppress the opposition, warning that undermining institutions could backfire. He stressed that listening to diverse opinions and avoiding reliance on biased security reports is crucial for the health of democracy and national stability.
