By Charles Chijioke
Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party, has cautioned supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to prepare for intense political confrontation ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that attacks against the duo will escalate once their political platform is unveiled.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting of the Obi-Kwankwaso movement in Abuja on Saturday, Galadima said both leaders are expected to announce by Monday the party under which they will contest, amid strong indications of a possible move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The development follows earlier remarks by Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, who disclosed that negotiations with the NDC were “about 90 percent” complete, with only minor issues outstanding.
Addressing supporters, Galadima warned of an imminent wave of coordinated criticism targeting the two politicians.
“I’m here to guide you on your response to what will happen. First, they will sponsor columnists. They will deploy social media influencers to start attacking our candidates,” he said.
“For all of you who are on social media, for all of you who use the mighty pen, you must be prepared to respond to anything they are going to say—anything under the sun that they may say about our leaders, whom we know very well to be people of integrity and honour. We must counter them with the ferociousness that is expected of an intelligent person.”
He likened the anticipated political struggle to a biblical contest, suggesting that entrenched power structures would ultimately be defeated, just as Pharaoh was overcome after the Red Sea episode.
“Salvaging a country from the hands of fascists like this is not an easy task,” Galadima said.
“It requires sacrifice, strategy, and the use of the internet. So, ladies and gentlemen, be prepared to be in the trenches to safeguard our freedom. Let no one deceive you into thinking it will be easy.
“In your struggle, I expect you to say: come rain or shine, we must democratically, through the ballot box, remove this bad government. The ball is in our court.”
The remarks come at a time of shifting political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures exploring mergers and new platforms to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
If Obi and Kwankwaso formally align under a new party, analysts say it could reshape the opposition landscape, consolidate voter blocs, and intensify competition with the APC. However, it may also trigger fierce propaganda battles, deepen political polarization, and test the resilience of electoral institutions in the run-up to the polls.
