A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Alhaji Buba Galadima, has raised alarm over what he described as deliberate moves by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to weaken Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Galadima accused the government of “capturing state institutions” and employing tactics to destabilise opposition parties. According to him, these actions reveal a clear intention by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) not to allow a free and fair contest at the next polls.
Galadima expressed worry over rumours suggesting that a controversial figure may soon be appointed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He warned that such a move could push the country into serious unrest, stating: “If the wrong person is appointed to lead INEC, it may spark nationwide chaos and even civil war.”
He further criticised INEC for failing to enforce rules on early political campaigns, accusing the commission of acting like a “toothless dog” that can issue warnings but lacks the capacity to compel compliance. Citing by-elections in Kano and Zamfara, the NNPP stalwart alleged that voters were intimidated by security agents, with some beaten and maimed, while results were manipulated in favour of government-backed candidates.
On the state of the opposition, Galadima lamented that selfishness among politicians has stalled efforts to form a united coalition capable of challenging the ruling APC. He stressed that Nigerians know the calibre of leaders who can rescue the country but noted that personal interests have so far taken precedence over national interest.
Despite this, he expressed confidence in the popularity of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing him as a “generalissimo” who commands support in Nigeria’s most populous state. According to Galadima, in a genuinely free and fair election, Kwankwaso’s grassroots following would deliver decisive victories.
Galadima maintained that his stance was not about North or South, but about credible leadership: “What matters is competence, not where a candidate comes from.”
The NNPP leader’s remarks add to growing concerns about Nigeria’s political climate, as civil society groups and rights organisations have repeatedly called on INEC and the federal government to guarantee credible elections in 2027.
As the build-up to 2027 intensifies, the focus now shifts to how INEC and the federal government will respond to allegations of bias, early campaigning, and institutional compromise—issues that may define the credibility of the coming elections.