Galadima: Opposition Politicians Refused Money to Quit Race

• Buba Galadima, an NDC chieftain, accused the Bola Tinubu administration of pressuring opposition politicians to withdraw from the 2027 elections.
• He alleged specific monetary offers, ranging from ₦50 million for state assembly candidates to over ₦2 billion for governorship candidates, to step down.
• Galadima also claimed opposition parties face restrictions on campaigning and criticized the high cost of political advertising, likening the situation to "fascism."
• He shared personal experiences of negative repercussions due to his opposition, including fears of job loss for associates and family.
• The NDC chieftain questioned the APC's prospects for the 2027 election amidst national hardship, insecurity, and criticized the administration's policies on agriculture and regional equity.

The claims by Galadima allege opposition politicians refused money to quit the 2027 race, underscoring a perceived resistance to these pressures despite the significant sums involved.

Buba Galadima, a prominent figure within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has leveled serious accusations against the Bola Tinubu administration, alleging attempts to compromise the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking on Arise TV's Prime Time on Tuesday, Galadima claimed that the current government is exerting pressure on opposition politicians, specifically by offering substantial financial inducements to withdraw from their electoral contests. This strategy, he suggested, aims to pave the way for candidates from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to run unopposed.

Galadima detailed specific financial incentives purportedly extended to opposition figures across various political tiers. He stated that state assembly aspirants were offered approximately ₦50 million to step down, while those seeking House of Representatives seats allegedly received offers of ₦200 million. For senatorial hopefuls, the alleged sums exceeded ₦500 million, and gubernatorial candidates were reportedly offered more than ₦2 billion to abandon their bids. These claims highlight a concerted effort to manipulate the electoral landscape ahead of the next national polls, according to the NDC chieftain.

These allegations suggest a direct attempt to reduce competition and consolidate power by financially coercing potential rivals out of the race. The claims by Galadima allege opposition politicians refused money to quit the 2027 race, underscoring a perceived resistance to these pressures despite the significant sums involved. Such practices, if substantiated, could raise profound questions about the fairness and transparency of the democratic process.

Beyond direct financial inducements, Galadima also raised concerns about broader restrictions on political activities, asserting that opposition parties are being hindered from campaigning freely in certain regions of the country. He argued that such limitations on political expression are fundamentally incompatible with democratic principles, emphasizing that Nigerian citizens should retain the freedom to move, speak, and make their political choices without undue interference. Galadima went as far as to describe these alleged restrictions on opposition activities as potentially indicative of "fascism," "dictatorship," or even a "monarchy."

Furthermore, the NDC chieftain criticized the exorbitant costs associated with political advertising, citing the alleged expense of billboards in Abuja as a prime example of an uneven playing field. He suggested that such financial barriers disproportionately affect opposition parties, making it difficult for them to effectively communicate with the electorate. However, the interviewer challenged this particular assertion, pointing out that the mere absence of opposition billboards does not automatically prove that the APC or the government actively prevented their display, suggesting alternative explanations for their scarcity.

Galadima also shared personal experiences, claiming that his outspoken opposition to the government has had adverse effects on his personal relationships and family life. He alleged that some individuals associated with him have become hesitant to maintain contact, fearing potential job losses or professional repercussions due to their connection with him. Additionally, he expressed concerns regarding his daughter's ability to secure employment, attributing potential difficulties to her association with him. These anecdotes underscore his belief that openly opposing the government can carry significant personal consequences, which he presented as his own allegations and experiences.

In a broader critique of the administration's performance, Galadima questioned the viability of the APC winning the 2027 election given what he characterized as widespread national hardship. He cited pervasive insecurity, inadequate healthcare services, and severe economic difficulties as major challenges facing the country. His remarks highlight a deep skepticism about the ruling party's ability to secure another term amidst what he perceives as a deteriorating quality of life for many Nigerians.

The NDC chieftain extended his criticism to specific policy areas, particularly the Tinubu administration's approach to northern Nigeria and agriculture. He alleged that agricultural equipment procured during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari has been left to languish unused in warehouses, representing a significant waste of resources intended to boost the agricultural sector. This claim suggests a lack of effective policy implementation and resource management within key sectors.

Galadima also voiced strong objections to what he described as an imbalance in the distribution of federal appointments and development projects across the country. He argued that important government positions and infrastructure initiatives are being disproportionately concentrated in certain regions. Citing the proposed deep-sea port project as an example, he contended that such major developments should be considered in conjunction with other existing ports and river ports nationwide to ensure a more equitable distribution. He stressed that Nigeria's federal structure inherently demands a balanced allocation of development projects and government appointments among all regions, advocating for a more inclusive approach to national development.

Source: Original reporting via Arise TV