Buba Galadima, a prominent figure within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has launched a scathing critique of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), labeling it a mere extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Galadima’s assertions, aired during an interview on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show,” cast doubt on the SDP’s autonomy and independence, suggesting its composition primarily consists of former APC members. He challenged the media and the public to scrutinize the influx of politicians into the SDP and posed the question: How many individuals from other political parties have genuinely migrated to the SDP? Galadima’s remarks come against the backdrop of high-profile defections, notably that of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the APC to the SDP, a move that is widely believed to be positioning El-Rufai for a potential presidential bid against Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Galadima’s contention is that the SDP essentially serves as a platform for disgruntled APC members, rather than a genuine alternative political force.
Galadima’s critique extends beyond the SDP’s alleged ties to the APC. He also condemned opposition figures who, after contesting elections, subsequently return to the ruling party. He specifically cited the case of Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the former PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State. Jandor’s recent defection back to the APC, ostensibly due to internal strife within the PDP, drew sharp criticism from Galadima. Galadima expressed his disappointment in Jandor’s decision, highlighting the significant support Jandor had garnered in the Lagos gubernatorial election, even suggesting that Jandor was the rightful winner before the election was allegedly manipulated. Galadima emphasized the importance of principled opposition, even if it means standing alone against the tide. He lamented the trend of politicians prioritizing personal gain over steadfast adherence to their political ideals, posing the question, “How are we going to do opposition?”
Galadima’s pronouncements underscore the complex and often volatile nature of Nigerian politics, characterized by shifting alliances, defections, and accusations of political maneuvering. His central argument paints a picture of a political landscape where genuine opposition is stifled, and parties like the SDP potentially serve as proxies for the ruling party. The timing of Galadima’s remarks, coinciding with El-Rufai’s defection and Jandor’s return to the APC, adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama. His comments raise fundamental questions about the integrity of the opposition and the potential challenges faced by those seeking to challenge the APC’s dominance.
Galadima’s pronouncements also highlight the NNPP’s strategic positioning within this dynamic political landscape. He emphatically stated the NNPP’s commitment to ideological principles and its refusal to engage in opportunistic coalitions merely for the sake of gaining power. This declaration serves as a clear demarcation of the NNPP’s approach, contrasting it with the perceived expediency of other political players. Galadima expressed confidence in the NNPP’s long-term prospects, asserting that the party would organically grow its support base and eventually achieve electoral victory at the national level. This statement conveys a sense of determination and a belief in the party’s long-term viability, despite the current challenges and uncertainties.
The implications of Galadima’s statements extend beyond the immediate political maneuvering and touch upon deeper issues within the Nigerian political system. His critique raises questions about the sincerity of party affiliations, the role of ideology in political decision-making, and the challenges of building a robust and effective opposition. Galadima’s concerns resonate with broader anxieties about the potential erosion of democratic principles if the political playing field becomes tilted in favor of the ruling party through strategic alliances and manipulation. His call for principled opposition, even if it means standing alone, underscores the importance of maintaining political integrity and resisting the temptations of political expediency.
In conclusion, Buba Galadima’s pronouncements represent more than just a critique of specific political parties and individuals. They constitute a commentary on the state of Nigerian politics, highlighting the complexities of party affiliations, the challenges of building a strong opposition, and the importance of adhering to political principles in a fluid and often unpredictable environment. His assertions regarding the SDP’s alleged ties to the APC, coupled with his condemnation of politicians who readily switch allegiances, underscore the need for greater scrutiny of political motivations and a renewed commitment to ideological consistency. Galadima’s remarks, therefore, serve as a call for both the political class and the electorate to reflect on the values that underpin a healthy democracy. His expression of confidence in the NNPP’s long-term prospects, built on principled opposition and organic growth, suggests a belief in the possibility of a different kind of politics, one that prioritizes ideology over expediency and genuine representation over political maneuvering.
