, has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is only serving as a placeholder for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the Social Democratic Party (SDP).){kind=link}
Buba Galadima, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is only serving as a placeholder for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Galadima, once the National Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), also hinted at plans for a broad opposition alliance aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
He referred to a March press conference where Atiku and several other opposition figures jointly condemned President Tinubu’s handling of political tensions in Rivers State and hinted at forming a united front. Since then, however, little has been publicly revealed about the coalition’s progress.
Speaking in an interview, Galadima revealed he hadn’t met El-Rufai directly but had held talks with his allies.
“Though I haven’t sat down with El-Rufai personally, some of his close associates, including the SDP chairman, have visited me. We discussed at length, and I made my position clear. El-Rufai cannot be trusted to lead any opposition movement. His past speaks for itself,” Galadima stated.
He further accused El-Rufai of burning bridges with several political heavyweights.
“El-Rufai has betrayed nearly everyone he’s worked with—Atiku, Obasanjo, Buhari, and now Tinubu. Someone with such a track record doesn’t inspire confidence. Only those with no grasp of political history would align with him.”
Galadima argued that the timing of coalition-building is key, noting that political alliances are best formed closer to elections.
“Opposition politics is not a marathon; it’s a sprint. El-Rufai is starting too early. By the time election season arrives, he may be politically irrelevant. He’s not a seasoned politician; he’s being humbled by past actions.”
Asked whether 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has been approached for coalition talks, Galadima confirmed ongoing discussions.
“Yes, many groups have reached out, including El-Rufai himself. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes conversations happening, which is the right approach. Formal coalition efforts should really take shape next year.”
Galadima didn’t hold back on his assessment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming it is beyond salvage.
“The PDP is fractured beyond repair. There are at least three distinct factions battling for control. This is part of why Atiku is looking for alternatives. El-Rufai is positioning himself in the SDP as a fallback plan for Atiku should the PDP disintegrate further.”
He also took a swipe at former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, accusing him of manipulating political and judicial outcomes.
“Wike is determined to keep the PDP divided. His influence over the judiciary is visible in recent developments—like the judgment against Governor Sim Fubara and efforts to investigate former Governor Peter Odili nearly two decades after he left office. You can tell who’s pulling the strings.”