Galadima
In a strongly worded warning, elder statesman and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain, Buba Galadima, has expressed fears that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could jeopardize his own presidency if his administration continues to meddle in state affairs and allows political self-interest to override national stability.
Speaking during a recent interview with Reporter, Galadima, a former ally of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, did not mince words as he criticized what he described as a troubling trend of federal overreach and disregard for democratic values. He pointed out that certain decisions and actions taken by individuals in the corridors of power are threatening the unity of the country and the legitimacy of its institutions.
Galadima drew attention to the political turmoil in Rivers and Kano States, warning that the President’s continued silence and passive approval of federal interference in these regions could lead to national unrest.
“What is happening in Kano is dangerous”
Galadima particularly referenced the ongoing crisis in Kano State, where traditional and political tensions have escalated over the emirate leadership. He alleged that attempts to influence the outcome through federal power could backfire disastrously.
According to him, “If they remove the Kano State governor through the court and the federal government begins to protect someone that the state government does not recognize as Emir, there will be a crisis. And if there is a crisis in Kano, the Federal Government cannot escape it.”
He warned President Tinubu directly, saying the fallout from such actions could create a ripple effect strong enough to cost him his presidency. “It may lead to the fall of this government,” Galadima added grimly.
Rivers State: “A State of Emergency is a threat to democracy”
On the recent unrest in Rivers State, where a clash of interests between Governor Sim Fubara and some political forces has escalated tensions, Galadima also raised alarm over the alleged contemplation of a state of emergency.
“The President cannot, and I repeat, cannot declare a state of emergency in Rivers State because there is a government in place. There is no war, there is no public disorder. It’s just a political disagreement, which they are using federal might to escalate,” he said.
Galadima cautioned that the move, if carried out, would be unconstitutional and viewed as a dangerous abuse of executive powers.
“Most politicians are in government for personal gain”
Beyond the specific cases, Galadima used the opportunity to speak broadly on the nature of leadership in Nigeria. He claimed that the vast majority of those in public office today are not driven by a desire to serve, but rather by selfish interest and a craving for power and wealth.
“I have not seen a patriotic Nigerian politician in government today. They are only there to protect themselves and their pockets,” Galadima lamented.
According to him, the absence of sincerity in governance is one of the key reasons why Nigeria continues to suffer from underdevelopment, insecurity, and broken institutions.
Electoral Act must be amended before 2027
Another major concern raised by the NNPP chieftain was the state of Nigeria’s electoral system. Galadima insisted that unless the Electoral Act is amended and strengthened ahead of the 2027 general elections, the outcome may not reflect the will of the people.
“What I’m seeing is that 2027 elections may not even count. If we don’t change the Electoral Act and make INEC truly independent, people will just be wasting their time voting,” he stated.
He called for urgent reforms to restore credibility to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including granting the electoral body complete autonomy from executive interference.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us”
Wrapping up his remarks, Galadima called on Nigerians, regardless of party or ethnicity, to speak out in defense of democracy. He emphasized that the future of the country should not be held hostage by the ambitions of a few individuals in power.
“This country does not belong to one man. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must protect it,” he concluded.
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