A chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to join the party, warning that he could be held responsible if efforts to unite opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections collapse.
Galadima appealed on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, where he stated that several key opposition figures were already aligning under the NDC in a bid to form a strong coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, the movement of major political actors into the NDC reflects a growing determination to consolidate opposition strength. He noted that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had earlier moved in pursuit of unity aimed at challenging the current administration.
Galadima, however, alleged that attempts to strengthen the opposition had been undermined, claiming there were indications that the ruling party and the federal government used legal means to weaken opposition structures.
He said this situation made it even more necessary for Atiku Abubakar to join the NDC, emphasizing that a united opposition remains the most viable path to electoral success in 2027. He added that the same level of support previously extended to Atiku should now be reciprocated.
Galadima warned that failure by the former vice-president to align with the NDC could jeopardize the broader objective of unseating the current government. According to him, if Atiku declines the invitation, he may be blamed for weakening the opposition’s chances.
He further argued that most influential political figures are now rallying within the NDC, stressing that any major player who remains outside the coalition risks undermining collective efforts. Drawing a parallel with Kwankwaso’s earlier political position, Galadima noted that persuasion and alignment were necessary steps toward building a formidable opposition bloc.
He maintained that joining the NDC would help consolidate gains already made in unifying opposition forces, while refusal to do so could disrupt progress and fragment the coalition.
Galadima also suggested that remaining outside the NDC could have political consequences for Atiku, including limiting his prospects in the 2027 elections, as the party continues to position itself as the central platform for opposition politics.
His comments come amid recent developments in the political landscape, following the reported defection of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, to the NDC. The two leaders were said to have formalized their move during a visit to the residence of the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, where consultations were held with other party stakeholders.
Meanwhile, reports suggesting that Atiku Abubakar is set to defect to the NDC have been dismissed by his camp. His media adviser, Paul Ibe, denied any such move, stating that there are no ongoing discussions regarding a defection.
Ibe also refuted claims linking Atiku to political consultations involving former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, insisting that no such arrangements are in place.
