2027: We’re Being Called Names for Supporting Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket — Galadima

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has defended calls for a political alliance between the North and the South-East ahead of the 2027 general election, saying supporters of a Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket have been unfairly criticised.

Galadima made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday while reacting to recent comments by the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who advocated stronger political cooperation between the North and the South-East.

According to Galadima, those backing an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket are being labelled with “different names” by people who do not understand Nigeria’s political history.

He argued that alliances between northern and south-eastern political leaders have existed since before Nigeria’s independence, citing the cooperation between the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC).

Galadima recalled that leaders such as Ahmadu Bello and Kashim Ibrahim worked alongside Nnamdi Azikiwe and other NCNC figures in the struggle for independence.

He noted that after independence in 1960, Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first President while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, representing the NPC, emerged as Prime Minister.

According to him, the arrangement reflected Nigeria’s unity and diversity before the military intervention of 1966.

Galadima maintained that the collapse of the First Republic should not be blamed on civilian politicians, insisting that the military disrupted the democratic system.

He said the current debate over an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance ignores Nigeria’s history of cross-regional political partnerships.

Galadima also criticised those questioning support for Obi, arguing that the former Anambra State governor had previously been accepted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a running mate.

He noted that Atiku had previously chosen Ben Obi, Peter Obi and Ifeanyi Okowa as vice-presidential candidates at different times and is now reportedly considering another running mate.

According to Galadima, it is inconsistent for Atiku’s supporters to criticise those promoting an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket while supporting similar political arrangements in the past.

He further urged opposition parties to focus on presenting a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress rather than attacking one another over possible electoral alliances.

Galadima said internal disagreements within the opposition only strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.