A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Alhaji Buba Galadima, has alleged that recent Supreme Court rulings affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were designed to prevent the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Galadima made the claim on Saturday while speaking at the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement Unity Summit in Abuja, where opposition stakeholders gathered amid ongoing realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
He argued that the apex court’s decision directing parties involved in internal disputes back to lower courts could create time constraints, making it practically impossible for the ADC to complete its candidate selection process before critical deadlines.
‘You are the Supreme Court, and it tells you to go back to the High Court. You file briefs, your opponent files briefs, and a date is set. Can all that be concluded before the end of May?’ Galadima queried.
‘If it cannot, can the ADC have a candidate? We don’t need a soothsayer to tell us it’s not possible,’ he added.
The former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain described the situation as a ‘booby trap’ targeted at opposition aspirants on the ADC platform, warning that it could effectively shut the party out of the 2027 race.
He further alleged that there were broader efforts to weaken opposition parties through legal and political manoeuvres, claiming he had raised such concerns over a year ago.
‘I said long ago that there would be attempts to stifle political parties so that one candidate could dominate the field. What we are seeing now appears to confirm those fears,’ he said.
Galadima also pointed to internal strategies that could complicate consensus-building within opposition parties, including the alleged introduction of multiple presidential aspirants and the impracticality of conducting direct primaries nationwide.
According to him, organising direct primaries across more than 8,000 wards would pose significant logistical and security challenges, potentially disrupting the process.
‘And even if you attempt it, there could be disruptions that make it impossible for opposition parties to produce candidates,’ he said.
The NNPP stalwart hinted that leading opposition figures, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, were already exploring alternative political platforms.
‘Some of us believe we must look for alternatives. Our leaders are already working on options to ensure we are on the ballot,’ he said.
He added that further announcements regarding the political direction of opposition leaders could emerge in the coming days.
Despite the concerns, Galadima expressed confidence that opposition actors would find a way to participate in the elections, urging supporters to remain engaged in the democratic process.
The summit drew members of the Kwankwasiyya and Obidient movements, as well as other political stakeholders, highlighting ongoing efforts to forge a united opposition front ahead of 2027.