In a fiery and unflinching interview, elder statesman and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) chieftain Alhaji Buba Galadima has raised alarm over what he described as the creeping consolidation of power by a single political force, warning that Nigeria is veering dangerously close to a one-party authoritarian state.
Speaking during a wide-ranging interview on constitutional reforms, coalition politics, and the state of Nigerian democracy, Galadima defended the rise of opposition coalitions as a “constitutional shield” against executive overreach, while accusing the current administration of subjugating the legislature and judiciary under its grip.
“Democracy flourishes where all three arms of government work independently, but today, they are being controlled by a single power center,” Galadima said. “This coalition is not just a political move; it’s another iron gate against dictatorship.”
With rising talk of opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, Galadima dismissed fears stirred by the Presidency over their legitimacy, saying that no government has the moral authority to declare any political voice ‘expired’.
“Only Nigerians can decide who is politically relevant. Not the Presidency. What we need are more bold voices willing to stand up,” he added.
Though he distanced himself from being part of the coalition, Galadima strongly backed its right to exist — calling it an essential counterbalance in what he fears is an eroding democratic space.
Galadima dismissed the Senate’s high-profile constitutional review process as a distraction, insisting the focus should be on electoral reform.
“You don’t need to rewrite the constitution. You need to obey it,” he said. “Fix the elections first. Let the people’s votes count. If the Assembly won’t act, we must invite international pressure to force real reform.”
His strongest criticism was reserved for the failure of Nigeria’s institutions to act independently, claiming the current structure has “collapsed under the weight of executive capture.”
While many Nigerians support the idea of state police to address insecurity, Galadima strongly rejected the proposal, warning that it would become a tool of political persecution.
“It may look attractive now, but governors will abuse it to crush opposition. If this becomes law, our democracy is doomed,” he warned.
Galadima threw his weight behind restoring full autonomy to local governments, describing the current joint account system between states and LGAs as “theft by legislation.”
“Money meant for the grassroots is intercepted at the state level. That’s why development doesn’t reach rural Nigeria,” he said.
He firmly shut down rumors that NNPP leader Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso is defecting to the APC or being offered a vice-presidential slot in 2027.
“Kwankwaso is presidential material. He is the only Nigerian politician today who can deliver a state on his own. Kano alone has over 6 million voters — that’s power without propaganda,” Galadima said.
He also dismissed claims by party founder Boniface Aniebonam about expelling Kwankwaso, saying, “INEC knows the real NNPP. We have the symbol, the leadership, and the support.”
In a striking final note, Galadima said Nigeria is not suffering from a flawed constitution but from a lack of political courage.
“What we need is not paper reform. We need leaders who are ready to obey the rules. Without that, all this noise is cosmetics for a broken democracy.”
Buba Galadima
