…Ex-Buhari Ally Decries Injustice, Calls for Unity, and Cautions Tinubu on “Destructive” Inner Circle.
By Suleiman Ibrahim.
In an exclusive, no-holds-barred interview with Vanguard Newspaper, Buba Galadima, a former close political associate of President Muhammadu Buhari, painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current political landscape. He asserted that the 2027 general elections are destined to be a mere formality unless Nigerians unite to demand fundamental changes to the Electoral Act. Galadima’s scathing critique targeted not only the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), from which he departed, but also the broader state of governance, justice, and national unity.
“The way we are going presently, votes are not counting in Nigeria,” Galadima declared, citing alleged electoral manipulations and judicial endorsements of questionable results. He condemned what he perceived as government overreach in various states, including Edo, Kano, and Rivers, asserting that “an unelected person will uproot an elected person.”
Galadima emphasized the urgent need for national unity, stating, “Does poverty or hunger know a Yoruba man or an Igbo man or Hausa man? We are all in it.” He urged Nigerians to transcend ethnic and religious divisions and demand justice for all, regardless of their background.
He also addressed the perceived weakness of the opposition, attributing it to a lack of financial resources and the allure of government patronage. “How can the opposition be strong when they don’t have money to face the government?” Galadima questioned. “They are strengthening the oppressors.”
The former Buhari ally expressed deep concern about the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, lamenting the state of healthcare and the widespread poverty. “Some people cannot afford to eat one meal per day,” he lamented. He warned that the people’s anger could reach a breaking point, potentially leading to uncontrollable reactions.
Galadima was particularly critical of the handling of the Rivers State crisis, questioning the declaration of emergency rule and suggesting that it was politically motivated. “Is there any one single person except Nyesom Wike who supported what is happening in Rivers?” he asked.
He also addressed the controversy surrounding the Emir of Kano, alleging that the police were being used to destabilize the state. “The police planned to cause commotion in Kano so that they could declare a state of emergency,” he claimed.
Galadima concluded his interview with a stark warning to President Tinubu, urging him to be wary of his inner circle. “He should be very careful with certain people around him,” he cautioned, alleging that they were attempting to “destroy him and destroy his government.” He asserted that only those who genuinely wished Tinubu well would advocate for a peaceful Nigeria.
Galadima’s impassioned plea underscored the deep-seated concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the urgent need for systemic reforms. He called for a collective awakening, urging Nigerians to reclaim their rights and demand a government that prioritizes justice, unity, and the well-being of its citizens.
