Buba Galadima, a key figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has suggested that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is merely a stand-in for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Galadima, who previously served as the National Secretary of the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), also alluded to ongoing efforts to form a unified opposition front ahead of the 2027 elections to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He referenced a press conference held in March, during which Atiku and other opposition leaders criticized Tinubu’s response to the political unrest in Rivers State and discussed plans for a coalition. Since then, updates on the progress of that alliance have been minimal.
In a recent interview, Galadima shared that although he hasn’t personally spoken with El-Rufai, discussions have taken place with members of his circle.
“I haven’t met El-Rufai one-on-one, but I’ve had engagements with his associates, including the SDP chairman. I was clear with them—El-Rufai isn’t someone who can lead an opposition movement, considering his past actions,” he said.
He went on to accuse El-Rufai of betraying various political allies throughout his career.
“He has turned against almost everyone—Atiku, Obasanjo, Buhari, and now Tinubu. Anyone familiar with his history would be wary of working with him.”
Galadima added that building political alliances too early is often ineffective.
“Opposition strategies aren’t long-distance runs; they’re short, decisive sprints. Starting too soon can lead to burnout. El-Rufai might lose relevance before the real race begins. He’s not an experienced grassroots politician, and this may be retribution for past misdeeds.”
Asked whether former NNPP presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has been approached for coalition talks, Galadima confirmed that discussions are ongoing.
“A number of political actors have reached out to Kwankwaso, including El-Rufai. These engagements are happening discreetly, which is the best approach. Serious coalition talks should gain momentum by next year.”
He also criticized the state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring it deeply divided and irreparable.
“The PDP is in total disarray, split into multiple factions fighting for control. Atiku is seeking alternatives, and El-Rufai appears to be positioning himself in the SDP as a contingency in case PDP collapses further.”
Galadima further accused former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike of destabilizing the PDP and exerting undue influence over the judiciary.
“Wike has made it his mission to keep the PDP fragmented. His hand can be seen in recent court rulings—such as the one targeting Governor Sim Fubara—and in the renewed probe into Peter Odili, who left office nearly 20 years ago. It’s not hard to see who’s behind these moves.”
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