Veteran northern politician and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) chieftain, Buba Galadima, has ignited fresh political conversations across Nigeria following a wide-ranging interview in which he made a passionate case for Peter Obi and the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The interview, which has generated widespread reactions, is being viewed by many political observers as one of the strongest public efforts by a prominent northern political figure to persuade the region to rally behind Peter Obi on the basis of competence, national unity and good governance rather than ethnicity or religion.
Galadima’s Major Points
1. Obi-Kwankwaso Is a ‘Healing Ticket’ for Nigeria
Galadima described the proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso presidential ticket as a “healing ticket” capable of uniting Nigerians after years of political, ethnic and religious divisions.
According to him, the alliance was conceived to rebuild trust between the North and the South-East and foster national reconciliation. He argued that the partnership is designed to move Nigeria beyond the bitterness of the past and focus on the future.
2. Peter Obi Is a Nigerian Candidate, Not an Igbo Candidate
One of the strongest messages from Galadima’s interview was his insistence that Peter Obi should not be viewed through an ethnic lens.
He disclosed that critics have accused members of the coalition of trying to “bring an Igbo man” to power, but rejected the narrative, saying Obi is being presented as a Nigerian leader whose competence should be judged by all Nigerians regardless of tribe or religion.
3. Nigeria Needs Competence, Not Ethnic Politics
Galadima said the country has reached a point where leadership should be determined by capacity rather than ethnic or religious considerations.
He argued that Nigerians deserve leaders who can solve problems relating to insecurity, unemployment, education, agriculture and the economy, insisting these challenges affect every region equally.
4. The Alliance Is Rooted in Nigeria’s Political History
Defending the alliance, Galadima noted that Nigeria has always progressed through cross-regional political partnerships.
He cited historic alliances between northern and eastern leaders in the First Republic, arguing that the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership follows that tradition of national cooperation rather than sectional politics.
5. The North Is Gradually Embracing the Message
Galadima acknowledged that convincing some northern voters remains challenging, but stressed that the coalition is making steady progress.
According to him, more people are beginning to listen to Obi’s message and assess him based on his vision and track record rather than long-standing political stereotypes.
He expressed confidence that continued engagement would yield broader acceptance across the region.
6. Obi Has a Clear Development Agenda
Galadima revealed that Peter Obi has committed to prioritising security, agriculture, education, job creation, skills acquisition and local manufacturing if elected.
He said these issues resonate strongly with northern communities and reinforce the argument that the alliance is focused on improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians rather than pursuing sectional interests.
7. Opposition Will Not Stop the Coalition
Despite admitting that the campaign has faced criticism and resistance, Galadima maintained that the obstacles are temporary.
He said supporters of the alliance remain convinced that Nigerians will ultimately embrace a leadership built on integrity, competence and national unity.
Why the Interview Matters
Galadima’s remarks have injected fresh energy into conversations about Peter Obi’s prospects in Northern Nigeria.
As one of the region’s most experienced political figures, his open endorsement of Obi and Kwankwaso sends a strong signal that influential northern voices are prepared to campaign across regional and ethnic lines.
While there is no independent polling yet confirming a measurable surge in Obi’s support in the North, the interview has undoubtedly strengthened optimism among his supporters and intensified debate over the growing appeal of a coalition built around competence, unity and national renewal.
