Fiery political strategist and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) chieftain Alhaji Buba Galadima has dismissed the ongoing constitutional review hearings as a “convenient distraction” orchestrated by a ruling elite unwilling to confront Nigeria’s most pressing democratic failures.
In a hard-hitting interview on the Arise News Morning Show on Friday, Galadima accused the National Assembly of pursuing superficial amendments while overlooking the systemic decay that undermines elections, institutions, and citizen trust.
“You don’t fix Nigeria by rewriting laws you already refuse to obey,” Galadima said. “What we need is an attitudinal change—not another round of cosmetic constitutional amendments.”
Galadima called for comprehensive electoral reform as the only path toward restoring legitimacy in Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that without a credible voting system, no amendment—no matter how well-intentioned—will change the country’s course.
“The will of the people must count. That’s the reform we need. If this Assembly fails to act, Nigerians should seek international help to pressure their leaders.”
Among the reform proposals before the Senate is the creation of state police—a move Galadima strongly opposes, warning it will be weaponised by governors against political rivals.
“It sounds logical on paper, but in practice, state police will become a private militia for the ruling class. If passed, it could kill opposition politics entirely in many states,” he said.
He cited Nigeria’s history of political abuse of power and cautioned that security should remain a neutral, professional institution, not one answerable to politicians.
Galadima also slammed calls for creating more states and local governments, suggesting they are “ploys for patronage” rather than real development strategies.
He said, “We don’t need more administrative units. We need to empower the ones we already have. This is about sharing more money, not solving real problems.”
Instead, he called for full local government autonomy, including direct access to federal allocations without interference from state governors.
Galadima’s most damning criticism was aimed at Nigeria’s power structure itself, saying, “The executive has captured the legislature and the judiciary. We no longer have three arms of government. We have one command centre, and the rest take orders.”
This centralisation of power, he warned, threatens the country’s democratic foundations more than any written clause in the constitution ever could.
On coalition politics, Galadima voiced strong support, even while clarifying he isn’t formally part of any.
“Coalitions are legal, constitutional, and absolutely necessary. They are the last firewall between Nigerians and dictatorship. The Presidency doesn’t get to decide who is politically expired—only the people do,” he said.
Addressing speculation that Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso might join the APC or accept a VP offer from President Tinubu, Galadima laughed off the rumours.
“Kwankwaso is presidential material. Kano alone gives him a base most politicians can only dream of. He’s the only one not spending billions to stay relevant,” he said.
He also dismissed factional claims by Boniface Aniebonam, reiterating that INEC recognises the Kwankwaso-led NNPP, and that attempts to rewrite leadership are simply noise meant to destabilise.
Galadima’s message was clear: Nigeria’s real crisis is not legal—it’s moral and political.
“We already have a decent constitution. The problem is that our leaders treat it like a suggestion. Until that changes, no amendment will save us,” he said.
