Buba Galadima has hinted at a major political shake-up, revealing that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso are expected to unveil a new political platform on Monday.
Galadima made the disclosure on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although he did not disclose the name of the platform, sources close to the opposition figures told The PUNCH that Obi and Kwankwaso were finalising plans to align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress, a newly formed party reportedly associated with former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.
A source familiar with the development said both leaders and their loyalists had been meeting with Dickson and NDC officials to conclude documentation and other arrangements.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened in the ADC to occur again. We discovered late that Atiku and his loyalists lured our leaders to that opposition party to fulfil only one single mission – Atiku’s presidential ambition.
“All is now set. Both Obi and Kwankwaso will announce their defection from the ADC on Monday.”
The development follows weeks of speculation over the political future of the two opposition leaders, especially after recent legal and internal party developments affecting several opposition parties.
Speaking further, Galadima urged supporters to prepare for attacks and propaganda that may follow the announcement.
“As from Monday, when our leaders declare on which platform they will run, I want to tell you that one of two things will happen. And I’m here to guide you on your response to what will happen.
“First, they will sponsor columnists. Two, they will deploy social media influencers to start attacking our candidates. For all of you who are on social media and those you with the mighty pen, you must be prepared to respond to anything they are going to say.”
He added that supporters should avoid launching attacks first but respond strongly whenever their leaders are criticised.
“Anything under the sun that they may say about our leaders that we know very well, people of integrity and honour, we must come to them with the ferociousness that is needed of an intelligent man.”
Using the Iran-US conflict as an analogy, Galadima said opposition supporters should remain strategic in their reactions.
“The analogy I’m going to draw here is that don’t call anybody any name until they call our leaders names. Then we will respond with the greatest might of intellect in us.”
Galadima also alleged that opposition politicians had suffered intimidation and suppression, claiming several opposition parties, including the SDP, PDP, ADC, NDP and PRP, had been weakened systematically.
He warned that desperate political actors could intensify efforts to frustrate opposition figures ahead of the elections.
At the meeting, businessman Isaac Fayose backed the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, describing it as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 polls.
“I am not a politician and don’t need to join your political party. But let me say that O-K (Obi-Kwankwaso) is okay for me.”
He also claimed the alliance already enjoyed strong support across many states.
Activist Aisha Yesufu, who also addressed participants, called for national unity and urged Nigerians to reject ethnic divisions.
“It is time for us to become a nation that is working. The next time they say to you that this is an Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba person, tell them indeed, we are all Nigerians.”
She further urged Nigerians to work together for national progress.
“We must unite right now. When they tell you about the generational hatred, ask them, where did it lead you to? Where has it also led Nigeria? We are brothers and sisters. We must not forget that.”
