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, describing such cooperation as consistent with Nigeria’s political history.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Galadima said supporters of a proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket had come under criticism from those he described as lacking an understanding of the country’s political evolution.
He was reacting to recent comments by the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who advocated stronger political collaboration between the North and the South-East.
Galadima argued that alliances between the two regions were not unprecedented, recalling the political partnership between the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) before and after Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
According to him, leaders including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Kashim Ibrahim and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe worked together to secure Nigeria’s independence and subsequently formed a government that reflected the country’s diversity.
He maintained that the democratic system of the First Republic was interrupted by the military coup of 1966, insisting that civilian political leaders should not be blamed for the collapse of that administration.
Galadima also criticised those opposing an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance on ethnic grounds, arguing that Peter Obi had previously served as a vice-presidential candidate alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He questioned why supporters of Atiku, who had previously chosen Obi and other politicians from the South-East as running mates, would oppose a similar political arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.
The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and consultations among opposition figures as preparations intensify for the 2027 general election.
