Galadima claims opposition politicians were offered money to drop out of 2027 elections

Buba Galadima, a leader in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused the Bola Tinubu government of pressuring opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Galadima made these claims during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Tuesday.

He said that politicians wanting to run against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were offered large amounts of money to step aside for APC candidates to run without any challenge.

“Politicians are being offered money to withdraw from elections and allow APC candidates to contest without opposition,” he stated.

Mr Galadima claimed that some state assembly candidates were offered around ₦50 million to drop out, while House of Representatives candidates were allegedly offered ₦200 million. Senate candidates were said to be offered over ₦500 million, and governorship candidates more than ₦2 billion.

“Some state assembly candidates are offered ₦50 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦200 million, Senate candidates over ₦500 million and governorship candidates over ₦2 billion to step down,” he reiterated.

He also said that opposition parties are being prevented from campaigning freely in certain areas of the country.

Mr Galadima argued that these restrictions on political activities are not in line with democracy. He believes Nigerians should be free to move around, speak out, and make their political choices.

He described the limits on opposition activities as potentially resembling “fascism,” “dictatorship,” or “monarchy.”

Mr Galadima also criticized the high costs of political advertising, mentioning the cost of billboards in Abuja as an example of what he sees as an unfair political environment.

The interviewer questioned this claim, noting that the lack of opposition billboards does not mean the APC or government stopped them from putting up their signs.

Mr Galadima shared that his opposition to the government has affected his personal life and family.

He stated that some people close to him have been hesitant to keep in touch because they worry about losing their jobs.

He also mentioned concerns about his daughter finding a job due to her association with him.

Mr Galadima argued that openly opposing the government can have personal consequences, although he presented these claims as his own experiences.

He asked how the APC could win the 2027 election amid widespread hardship, insecurity, poor healthcare, and economic issues.

“How can the APC win in 2027 with all the hardship, insecurity, lack of good healthcare and economic difficulties in the country?” he questioned.

He also criticized the Tinubu administration’s approach to northern Nigeria and agriculture.

Mr Galadima alleged that agricultural equipment bought during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s time has been left unused in warehouses.

He also pointed out that important government appointments and development projects seem to be focused in certain areas of the country.

“Important government appointments and development projects are being concentrated in certain parts of the country,” he said.

Talking about the proposed deep-sea port project, he said it should be looked at alongside other ports and river ports in Nigeria.

He suggested that Nigeria’s federal structure should ensure a fair distribution of development projects and government roles among the regions.

Mr Galadima defended former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying he has been treated unfairly by the Tinubu administration.

He pointed out that Mr El-Rufai supported Mr Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election and questioned why he should face what he sees as persecution.

Mr Galadima said political disagreements should not lead to what he considers unfair treatment.

He also asked why Mr El-Rufai should be held if the charges against him are bailable.

The interviewer asked Mr Galadima about reports that he told Mr El-Rufai to stay out of Nigeria.

Mr Galadima said he had received information that Mr El-Rufai might be arrested if he returned. He approached former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, asking him to advise Mr El-Rufai against returning.

He said his action was not just from a close personal relationship with Mr El-Rufai, but from his opposition to what he sees as unfair treatment.

Mr Galadima also claimed that a secret opinion poll done by his group found that Mr Obi would win a fair 2027 presidential election.

He said a British-Polish company did the study, but he did not share details about the company, methodology, sample size, or findings beyond the outcome.

According to Mr Galadima, the study indicated that Mr Obi would win if the election were free and fair, but he warned that Mr Tinubu could manipulate the electoral process despite what he called the president’s low popularity.