Buba Galadima, a stalwart of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to consider defecting to the party, saying such a move would significantly strengthen the opposition bloc ahead of future elections.
Galadima made the appeal during an interview on Channels Television, where he spoke extensively on ongoing political realignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape and the evolving dynamics of coalition politics ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
According to him, recent political developments in the country have demonstrated the need for experienced political leaders to align with platforms that, in his view, are better structured and more strategically positioned to drive meaningful national change.
He argued that Nigeria’s opposition space is currently undergoing a period of reconfiguration, where alliances, defections, and mergers are increasingly shaping electoral strength, visibility, and bargaining power among political actors.
Galadima stressed that the inclusion of high-profile figures like Atiku Abubakar would not only enhance the credibility of the NDC but also improve its competitiveness in a rapidly changing political environment.
According to Galadima’s words: “I’m particularly calling on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to jump ship and come to the NDC.”
He further explained that the invitation was not personal but rooted in strategic political considerations, adding that the opposition must begin to consolidate its most experienced and influential figures if it hopes to present a strong challenge in future elections.
“We are building a platform that can stand the test of time and compete effectively at the national level. To do that, we need people who have experience, structure, and national appeal,” he added.
Galadima maintained that the NDC is positioning itself as a serious alternative within Nigeria’s political landscape, and that attracting prominent politicians would be a critical part of its growth strategy.
He noted that political alignment is often driven by timing and circumstances, suggesting that opposition figures must carefully evaluate where their chances of success are strongest.
“In politics, timing is everything. People must look at where they can make the most impact and where the structure supports their ambition,” he said.
The NDC chieftain also argued that Nigeria’s opposition politics has historically been fragmented, often weakening its ability to present a united front against dominant ruling parties. According to him, bridging that gap requires bold decisions and strategic realignments.
