Political tension in Nigeria continues to rise ahead of the 2027 elections after senior NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima launched a fresh attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the government of weakening democratic institutions and creating an unfair political atmosphere across the country.
Galadima made the remarks during a recent political interview where he criticized the handling of electoral matters, party politics, and the growing dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, the current political environment no longer gives opposition parties equal opportunities to compete fairly.
The outspoken politician alleged that Nigeria’s democratic system is gradually being controlled by political influence and state power, warning that the country risks losing public trust if electoral reforms are not taken seriously before the next general election.
His comments come at a sensitive time in Nigerian politics as parties begin early preparations for 2027. Across several states, political defections, coalition talks, internal party crises, and leadership struggles have continued to dominate headlines.
Galadima specifically questioned the effectiveness of parts of the Electoral Act, arguing that loopholes within the system have allowed the ruling party to strengthen its political advantage. He claimed that opposition parties are increasingly struggling against institutional pressure, financial imbalance, and internal instability.
The former ally of President Muhammadu Buhari has remained one of the Tinubu administration’s vocal critics since the 2023 elections. Over the past year, he has repeatedly accused the APC government of centralizing power and suppressing opposition voices.
Supporters of the APC, however, strongly rejected Galadima’s claims. Party loyalists argue that Nigeria’s democratic institutions remain active and independent, pointing to court rulings, opposition victories in some states, and ongoing political activities nationwide as evidence that democracy is still functioning.
Some APC members also accused opposition politicians of using public criticism to remain politically relevant ahead of 2027. According to them, allegations against the government are part of early political strategies designed to weaken public confidence in the ruling party before campaigns officially begin.
Political analysts say Galadima’s statements reflect the growing anxiety already shaping Nigeria’s political atmosphere. With economic hardship, inflation, unemployment, and insecurity still affecting millions of Nigerians, many politicians are expected to use these issues to build momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
Analysts also believe that opposition parties may continue increasing pressure on the Tinubu administration through public criticism and coalition discussions in an attempt to challenge the APC’s dominance. However, the opposition itself remains divided, with leadership disagreements and unresolved internal crises slowing down attempts to form a united front.
Despite the controversy, Galadima’s comments have once again triggered wider conversations online about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, the independence of electoral institutions, and whether major reforms will happen before 2027.
As political activities gradually intensify nationwide, observers believe Nigerians should expect more confrontations, accusations, and power struggles between the ruling party and opposition figures in the months ahead.
