In a fiery political revelation that may reshape the current opposition dynamics, elder statesman and political strategist Alhaji Buba Galadima has declared that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is merely serving as a placeholder for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in preparation for the 2027 presidential elections.
Speaking in a recent media interview, Galadima dismissed the credibility and structure of the SDP coalition, branding it as "ineffective" and accusing its actors of mere "noise-making." He noted that Atiku’s rumored alliance with El-Rufai, a long-time political rival, exposes the desperation within the People's Democratic Party (PDP) ranks, particularly as PDP governors may likely deny Atiku the 2027 presidential ticket.
“I’m surprised at Atiku’s willingness to work with El-Rufai,” Galadima said. “This was the same man who once told Atiku to save his money for his children because he would never become President of Nigeria.”
Recounting El-Rufai's unimpressive electoral performance even as a sitting governor in Kaduna State, Galadima questioned the former governor's current political weight. “Did El-Rufai win one local government in Kaduna in 2020? He was a sitting governor when PDP swept all three senatorial seats. Out of 14 House of Reps seats, PDP won 12, Labour Party won one, and El-Rufai’s party won only one. Now that he's out of office and even fighting the sitting governor from the outside, how many votes can he win?” he asked pointedly.
Galadima also offered a glimpse into the evolving opposition landscape, suggesting that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) remains the most viable platform to unify opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections. “The NNPP will emerge as the larger vehicle to consolidate opposition strength going forward,” he stated confidently.
These remarks come at a time when speculations continue to swirl about realignments among Nigeria’s political elite, especially as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) maintains its grip on federal power. With El-Rufai's recent public criticisms of his successor in Kaduna and his open engagement with fringe political movements, observers are watching closely to see whether he will truly play kingmaker—or remain a placeholder—for Atiku or any other opposition hopeful.
The 2027 race has unofficially begun, and Galadima’s bold assertions may have just thrown more fuel into the already simmering political furnace.