Join NDC or face blame for opposition failure, Galadima tells Atiku

In a strategic move to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections, Buba Galadima, a prominent figure, has issued a direct appeal to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Galadima, speaking on Channels Television's 'Politics Today,' urged Abubakar to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), framing it as a crucial step towards achieving a united opposition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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The truth of the matter is that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso migrated into the ADC; they brought unity of opposition to unseat Tinubu. Unfortunately, there are insinuations that the APC and the government used the courts to unseat the opposition.

Galadima's appeal is underscored by a stark warning: should Abubakar decline this call to unite under the NDC banner, he risks being held accountable for any potential failure of the opposition to present a formidable front. This warning comes in the wake of significant political realignments, including the recent defections of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to the NDC. Galadima emphasizes that these key political gladiators are now rallying within the NDC, creating a powerful coalition that Abubakar's participation would further solidify.

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This is why I’m making this call on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to follow us as we followed him into the ADC, such that there will be unity of opposition to unseat this government, and if he refuses, Atiku will be held responsible.

The narrative being pushed is that Abubakar's continued absence from the NDC could undermine the collective effort to unseat the current government. Galadima suggests that Abubakar might be forfeiting his own electoral prospects for 2027 if he remains outside this consolidated opposition bloc. The implication is that the NDC is positioning itself as the primary platform for challenging the APC, and any significant opposition figure not aligned with it could be seen as hindering the broader cause.

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The reality is that all the political gladiators are now in the NDC, and if anybody is outside, like Kwankwaso was outside and persuaded into the ADC, then we’re also pleading with Atiku to come into the NDC so that we can consolidate again and remove the incumbent government.

While reports suggest Abubakar might be considering a move to the NDC, allies have reportedly denied such intentions. Nevertheless, Galadima's public appeal highlights the intense political maneuvering and the high stakes involved in forging a cohesive opposition in Nigeria. The NDC's efforts to bring together major opposition figures signal a determined push to create a unified front, making Abubakar's decision a focal point in the ongoing political landscape.

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If he refuses to do that, then he has now scuttled the unity of the opposition to unseat this government because he cannot continue to be in the ADC, or else he has agreed now to forfeit his right to contest in the 2027 election.