NNPP Chieftain Buba Galadima Criticizes El-Rufai, Labels Him “Placeholder” for Atiku in SDP

Galadima’s Claims on El-Rufai’s Leadership and Motives

In an interview with The Punch, Galadima asserted that El-Rufai lacks the public trust and political credibility necessary to galvanize opposition forces. He argued that El-Rufai’s history of political betrayals and self-serving decisions has alienated him from key political stakeholders and the electorate.

“El-Rufai cannot lead an opposition party. It’s simply the law of karma catching up with him. He is used to taking over established structures, but now he’s trying to build from scratch, and he will see how difficult politics can be,” Galadima said, adding that El-Rufai’s lack of a positive track record in public relations and trustworthiness would be the downfall of the SDP.

Galadima further alleged that El-Rufai is not genuinely interested in building the SDP as a viable opposition platform, but is instead holding the party in trust for Atiku Abubakar, should the former vice president be denied the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in 2027. According to Galadima, “El-Rufai is merely a placeholder for someone else, and that someone is Atiku Abubakar. He does not own the SDP; he is just temporarily filling a position”.

Critique of Opposition Strategies and the PDP’s Future

Galadima also criticized the current state of the PDP, describing it as “irredeemable” due to internal divisions. He identified three factions within the party-the group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the governors’ group, and Atiku’s group-arguing that these divisions make the PDP unfit to challenge for power in 2027.

He warned that the SDP’s coalition, involving Atiku and El-Rufai, is unlikely to succeed, citing El-Rufai’s past political alliances and subsequent fallouts with figures such as Atiku, Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Tinubu. Galadima asserted, “He is only after his own interest; once his interest is not there, he will ditch you. He has ditched a lot of people; he ditched Atiku, he ditched Obasanjo, he ditched Buhari, and he now ditched Tinubu. So, someone with this kind of record, I don’t think if you are sensible, you will follow him”.

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Advice to Atiku and the Opposition

Galadima advised Atiku Abubakar not to contest the 2027 presidential election, suggesting it is time for the former vice president to support a new generation of leaders. He argued that Atiku has been in the presidential race for over three decades and should now play a kingmaker’s role.

He also emphasized that opposition politics in Nigeria is akin to a sprint rather than a marathon, cautioning against premature political maneuvering. “Opposition doesn’t run a marathon race. It’s a sprint, a 100-meter dash. El-Rufai is starting too early, and by the third year, he will have been dismembered,” Galadima remarked.

Response and Context

El-Rufai’s camp and some political analysts have dismissed Galadima’s claims as speculative and lacking factual basis, pointing to El-Rufai’s achievements as governor and his ongoing influence in northern Nigerian politics. They argue that political alliances in Nigeria are often fluid and that El-Rufai’s recent moves reflect strategic repositioning rather than subservience to any individual.

The debate underscores ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition parties as the 2027 elections approach, with questions remaining about leadership, trust, and the viability of new political coalitions.

This report is based on statements made by Buba Galadima in interviews with The Punch and other media outlets, as well as responses from political stakeholders and public records.