Galadima defends Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, cites historic North-South-East alliance
Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, defended supporters of a prospective Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 general election, saying they are being unfairly labelled by people ignorant of Nigeria's political history. Speaking on Arise Television's Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Galadima pointed to the First Republic cooperation between Northern leaders such as Ahmadu Bello and Kashim Ibrahim and Eastern leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, noting that the alliance produced a balanced government before the 1966 military coup truncated democracy. He argued that the military, not civilian leaders, bore responsibility for ending the First Republic, and criticized both the APC and some opposition parties for attacking the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance instead of uniting against the ruling party. Galadima also reminded listeners that Peter Obi originally emerged as Atiku Abubakar's vice-presidential pick in previous elections, questioning the consistency of critics who now denounce an Igbo candidate. Why does this matter? It reveals how historical narratives are being mobilised to legitimise emerging opposition blocs ahead of 2027, highlights growing friction within the opposition over ethnic balancing, and signals that alliances across the North-South-East fault line may become a central campaign theme. What should you know or do? Consider how selective readings of history shape current political alliances, watch for further statements from the Obi-Kwankwaso camp and the APC's response, and ask yourself whether a North-South-East coalition can genuinely bridge ethnic divides or merely serves as tactical rhetoric.