Buba Galadima, former National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change and now a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party, speaks with Ismaeel Uthman on the fate of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, the Kano Emirate crisis, and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Q: You recently said APC is sending emissaries to compromise leaders of political parties, offering billions. Do you think the opposition stands a chance in 2027 under such inducement?
A: You must believe in God's ability to change anything. An election can turn around a day before the vote. We've seen powerful figures fall—Abacha, Obasanjo, Jonathan. Nothing should surprise you in Nigeria.
Q: What’s your view of the coalition between Atiku, El-Rufai and others?
A: It’s not a coalition—it’s just a few individuals. PDP governors have rejected it. SDP too. NNPP was the first to reject it. We won’t join strange bedfellows. We want principled alliances.
Q: If the coalition won’t work, what should the opposition do to unseat Tinubu?
A: Many of them are opportunists, not true politicians. They must fight for electoral reforms, not just power. One man, one vote—then we can accept election results peacefully.
Q: How do you see Tinubu’s handling of appointments and resources?
A: I’ve always said presidents should choose their own teams. What matters is delivery. I don’t care where someone comes from. Let’s stop using tribe and religion to divide Nigeria.
Q: Why are political figures visiting Buhari’s residence lately?
A: They’re lost. What relevance does Buhari have? He dashed Nigerians’ hopes. He should retire and seek God’s forgiveness.
Q: But you once supported Buhari?
A: I signed the APC formation documents as number four. But I later saw Buhari as the biggest fraud in Nigeria’s history—he fooled us for 15 years pretending to be for the masses.
Q: Assessment of Tinubu’s administration?
A: Let Nigerians judge. The real judgment comes on election day. If you accept rigged results without protest, you’re part of the problem.
Q: Many northern leaders are unhappy with Tinubu. Why?
A: They feel betrayed. Under Buhari, we were kicked out. My daughter worked four years in the Villa without pay. Tinubu gave her a job. That’s not a political appointment—it’s survival.
Q: Is Kwankwaso joining APC?
A: I’m NNPP. Kwankwaso hasn’t told anyone that. But we’re talking to like minds to build a strong platform for 2027.
Q: What’s the CPC bloc’s plan within APC?
A: They’re divided. But they should remember how they treated us under Buhari. Tinubu hasn’t hunted them. They should be grateful.
Q: Do you support the anti-Tinubu CPC bloc?
A: They’ll find out soon. They should appreciate Tinubu’s tolerance.
Q: What’s behind the Emir of Kano stool controversy?
A: It’s a state matter. Abuja can’t appoint a Kano Emir. The tension is being instigated from Abuja for political gain.
Q: You warned Tinubu that meddling in Kano could ruin his presidency. Why?
A: History tells us. Sanusi’s grandfather’s deposition led to chaos. Tinubu has no business deciding Kano’s Emir.
Q: What about the police inviting Emir Sanusi?
A: It was unnecessary. He was far from the incident on Eid. It’s clear the crisis is being provoked for ulterior motives.
Q: Insecurity is rising in the North. Why?
A: Some people are profiting from it. Tinubu knows who gets the money and should hold them accountable.
Q: You oppose state police. What’s your alternative?
A: Security jobs should be based on merit, not politics. Tribal or sectional posting is killing the system. Nigeria comes first.
Buba Galadima: “I have rejected juicy appointments since Obasanjo’s time. I live in a two-bedroom flat after 50 years of graduation. If integrity counts, my name must be among the top three.”
Published by: Geri Alimi Online News Platform
Source Credit: Punch Newspapers
0 Comment: