According to Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), he is experienced enough in Nigerian politics to avoid being drawn into circumstances that could result in his arrest over allegations concerning protests ahead of the 2027 elections.
Galadima made the remarks during an interview on Channels TV while responding to claims that opposition politicians were encouraging or sponsoring young Nigerians to protest against the government.
The NDC chieftain said governments could make various allegations against individuals when seeking grounds to arrest them. He also questioned whether the current administration had sufficient moral standing to pursue people over corruption allegations, referring to what he described as the use of public funds without proper appropriation.
Asked whether he was preparing or equipping young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election, Galadima said he understood the political environment well enough not to put himself in a situation that could expose him to arrest.
He specifically compared his political experience with that of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying he would not allow himself to be drawn into what he described as a trap.
In his words:
“I am more intelligent than El Rufai; you can’t get me into that hook for them to pick me and go and dump. You know that I was tried for treason, put underground; there’s nothing I didn’t experience, 38 times, I was arrested, questioned, interrogated, jailed.”
Galadima recalled his previous encounters with successive governments, saying he had experienced arrest, questioning, interrogation and imprisonment on several occasions. He also referred to a past treason case as part of his political history.
The opposition figure further argued that young Nigerians have become an important demographic in the country’s political landscape because of their large presence among eligible voters.
His comments came amid discussions about the role of young Nigerians in political activities and the 2027 elections. Allegations that opposition figures are attempting to mobilise or sponsor youths against the government have generated political exchanges between members of the ruling party and opposition groups.
Galadima’s remarks focused on his denial of being drawn into activities that could provide grounds for his arrest, while also highlighting his long experience in Nigerian politics.
The NDC chieftain maintained that his past experiences with government authorities had taught him to exercise caution when responding to politically sensitive allegations, particularly those involving protests, young people and preparations for an election.
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