Buba Galadima, a key figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is merely acting as a placeholder for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Galadima, who previously served as the National Secretary of the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), also discussed efforts to form a broad opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
He referred to a March press conference where Atiku, alongside other opposition figures, condemned President Tinubu’s handling of political tensions in Rivers State and hinted at the formation of a united front.
Since then, however, few details have emerged regarding the coalition’s progress.
In an interview, Galadima revealed that while he had not met El-Rufai directly, he had engaged in discussions with his close associates, including the SDP chairman. Galadima emphasized that he does not trust El-Rufai to lead any opposition movement, citing the governor’s past actions.
“I have not sat down with El-Rufai personally, but his close allies, including the SDP chairman, have visited me. We spoke at length, and I made my position clear.
El-Rufai cannot be trusted to lead any opposition effort. His past speaks for itself,” Galadima stated.
He accused El-Rufai of betraying several political figures, including Atiku, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the current President Tinubu. Galadima argued that a politician with such a history should not inspire confidence.
“El-Rufai has burned bridges with everyone he’s worked with.
He’s betrayed Atiku, Obasanjo, Buhari, and now Tinubu. Anyone who aligns with him is ignoring political history,” Galadima said.
Discussing the timing of coalition-building, Galadima noted that opposition politics requires strategic timing, and that alliances are more effective closer to elections.
“Opposition politics is a sprint, not a marathon. El-Rufai is starting too early. By the time the election season arrives, he could be politically irrelevant.
He is not a seasoned politician, and his past actions are catching up with him,” Galadima remarked.
When asked about the possibility of including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, in coalition talks, Galadima confirmed that discussions were ongoing.
“Yes, many groups have reached out, including El-Rufai. There are several behind-the-scenes talks happening, which is the right approach.
Formal coalition efforts should gain momentum next year,” Galadima said.
He also expressed doubt about the viability of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), calling it fractured beyond repair. Galadima explained that this disarray is why Atiku is exploring alternatives, with El-Rufai positioning himself in the SDP as a backup plan in case the PDP falls apart.
“The PDP is deeply divided. There are at least three factions vying for control.
This is why Atiku is seeking alternatives. El-Rufai is positioning himself as a fallback for Atiku in case the PDP disintegrates further,” he noted.
Finally, Galadima criticized former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, accusing him of manipulating both political and judicial outcomes to maintain division within the PDP.
“Wike is doing everything he can to keep the PDP divided.
His influence on the judiciary is clear in recent developments, such as the judgment against Governor Sim Fubara and efforts to investigate former Governor Peter Odili years after he left office,” Galadima said.