Abuja, Nigeria — Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has dismissed the idea that former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai can lead an opposition movement, describing him as a “placeholder” for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar within the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In an interview with Punch, Galadima argued that el-Rufai lacks the political capital and public trust to spearhead a credible opposition party and accused him of being part of a strategic realignment orchestrated by Atiku in anticipation of a possible exit from the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I am confident that my perspective will prevail because El-Rufai cannot lead an opposition. It’s simply the law of karma catching up with him,” Galadima said.
“He is used to going into an established house and taking it over, but now that he’s trying to build from scratch, he will see how difficult politics can be.”
Galadima alleged that el-Rufai’s interest in the SDP is not driven by a desire to build the party, but rather to serve as a temporary political figurehead for Atiku, who is reportedly weighing options outside the PDP.
“El-Rufai is merely a placeholder for someone else who is expected to take over the party. He does not own it. We know exactly who the true owners are,” Galadima said.
He further criticised el-Rufai’s political temperament, stating that his poor public relations and perceived betrayals have cost him credibility.
“He lacks a track record in public relations and doesn’t have the trust of the people, as he has wronged many. This will be the downfall of the SDP itself.”
Turning to the PDP, Galadima offered a scathing assessment, declaring the party “completely destroyed” and no longer viable as a platform for contesting the 2027 elections.
“El-Rufai is now jumping to go and become a placeholder for Atiku so that if he’s booted out of the PDP, he will go to the SDP and become a candidate,” Galadima added.
He attributed the PDP’s decline to internal conflicts and what he called the overbearing influence of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of hijacking the party.
Neither el-Rufai nor Atiku has publicly commented on Galadima’s claims.
