Buba Galadima, a prominent chieftain of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has described the emergence of a new political coalition in Nigeria as a positive and necessary development to safeguard democracy.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, Galadima urged Nigerians to view the coalition not with suspicion, but as a legitimate expression of democratic ideals and a powerful barrier against authoritarian rule.
Galadima emphasized that under Nigeria’s constitution, citizens have the right to freely assemble, associate, and advocate for political change. He praised the coalition’s formation as a sign of democratic health and encouraged broad public support.
“In politics, people say — I mean, in a democracy — people are allowed to add their views on any issue, whether positive or negative,” Galadima said. “For me, personally, I think the coalition is a welcome development. It’s one more dissenting voice or one more iron gate against dictatorship.”
He stressed that political decisions regarding leadership or relevance should not be dictated by incumbents or elites, but determined solely by the electorate.
“Only Nigerians have got that right,” he continued. “And under our constitution, it is the right of people to congregate, assemble, and chart a course, not only for themselves but for the country.”
Galadima extended his support to the coalition’s members and called on other citizens to respect their freedom to form a political bloc. He warned that stifling dissent or alternative voices would endanger Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
Drawing comparisons to democratic norms in the United States, Galadima highlighted the importance of robust debate and political opposition. He cited examples such as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial policies, and the ability of opposition voices like Congressman Hakeem Jeffries to still have a say, as evidence of a functioning democracy.
“What is happening in this country — if it is not checked?” he asked. “I’ve just heard you talking about America, where we have a robust democracy. Despite the fact that Trump had his way on tax reform, the minority had their voice. That is democracy. Is it very robust in our country? We need people to be bold enough.”
He criticized what he sees as a breakdown of trust and independence among Nigeria’s three arms of government, noting that the lack of accountability and institutional confidence threatens governance.
“Even if you are in government, you must welcome this,” he urged. “People should be bold enough to state their minds. The three arms of government must be able to work independently under an atmosphere of trust and confidence — which we don’t have.”
Galadima concluded by calling on all Nigerians to support the rights of dissenting voices and political blocs to emerge, stressing that democracy thrives only when alternative views are given room to exist and grow.
“So if we have any group of people coming up to say they disagree with this, and this is what they believe in — I think we should welcome them and wish them well.”
