A prominent member of the (NDC),Nigeria Democratic Congress Buba Galadima, has urged Nigerians to unite and work towards defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2027 presidential election.
Galadima made the call while speaking at the formal inauguration of the NDC National Reconciliation Committee, a panel established by the party to settle disagreements that emerged among members and aspirants following its recent primary elections.
According to him, the political environment ahead of the 2027 elections is becoming increasingly difficult for opposition parties, which he accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Tinubu administration of deliberately weakening.
The NDC chieftain alleged that the president was taking steps aimed at limiting the ability of opposition parties to effectively organise, select candidates and compete against the ruling party.
Galadima argued that Tinubu was more interested in preserving his political position and protecting the APC than preparing for a conventional electoral contest with rival candidates.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians to put aside political, ethnic and other differences and collectively work towards changing the government through the ballot box.
He said the country could not afford a situation where the political process was manipulated to prevent genuine competition during the next general election.
Galadima also made allegations concerning the Electoral Act, claiming that the legislation had been largely developed under Tinubu’s influence before being presented to the National Assembly for consideration.
He maintained that the electoral system must provide every political party with a fair opportunity to participate and compete in elections.
His comments come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with several opposition groups attempting to strengthen their structures, resolve internal disputes and build wider alliances.
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Pat Utomi has spoken about his longstanding political disagreements with Galadima, saying their differences have not destroyed their personal relationship.
Utomi explained that although he and Galadima have held opposing political positions over the years, they have continued to maintain a friendly and respectful relationship.
He made the remarks in Abuja after attending the inauguration of the NDC National Reconciliation Committee, which was created to address disputes involving aspirants, party members and other stakeholders following the party’s congresses, convention and primary elections.
Utomi, who was appointed chairman of the reconciliation committee, expressed optimism that the panel would succeed in bringing together members who had become dissatisfied with the outcome of the party’s recent electoral processes.
He described his appointment as both an honour and a significant responsibility, stressing that the committee’s primary objective would be to rebuild trust, promote unity and resolve grievances within the party.
The committee was established shortly after the NDC unveiled its constitution, amid concerns and legal disputes connected to its recently conducted primaries.
Utomi said the reconciliation process would not only focus on settling individual disagreements but would also help strengthen the party’s organisational structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
He emphasised the need for members to place the broader interests of Nigeria above personal ambitions, adding that a united political movement would be better positioned to offer Nigerians a credible alternative in the next election.
