The political landscape ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections is heating up as Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made explosive claims about President Bola Tinubu's grip on state governors. Speaking at the inauguration of the NDC's National Reconciliation Committee on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Abuja, Galadima asserted that President Tinubu effectively controls 34 and a half of Nigeria's 36 state governors, leaving only a few in the opposition camp.
Galadima's Bombshell: Tinubu's Influence Over Governors
Galadima, a seasoned politician, detailed that out of the 36 governors, only Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is fully outside Tinubu's influence. He described Alex Otti of Abia State as being in a precarious position, saying, "Alex Otti is there... forget about that." The "half" governor, according to Galadima, is Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who he claims is sitting on the fence, undecided between aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the opposition.
The NDC chieftain revealed that the party had held extensive talks with Governor Bala Mohammed, even going as far as a late-night meeting that lasted until 3 am. Mohammed was reportedly scheduled to defect to the NDC the following day but pulled out at the last minute after receiving advice against the move. Galadima stated, "We met with him (Mohammed) until 3 am, and he was supposed to defect the next day, but he called us in the morning saying he has changed his mind because he was advised not to move to a party with a strong presidential candidate. Bala Mohammed is on the fence. He may work with us, or he may work with President Tinubu."
This revelation suggests that the NDC had high hopes of securing a major political figure in Governor Mohammed, but the plan collapsed at the final hour. Galadima did not provide details on who advised Mohammed against the switch, leaving room for speculation.
Tinubu Accused of Manipulating Electoral Act
Galadima also turned his attention to the Electoral Act, accusing President Tinubu of designing it to favor the APC at the expense of smaller parties. He claimed, "The Electoral Act was designed and perfected by President Tinubu even before it was taken to the National Assembly. He's only protecting himself and the APC and making it difficult for other parties to produce candidates."
This accusation adds to the growing criticism of the electoral process in Nigeria, with opposition parties often alleging that the system is skewed in favor of the ruling party. Galadima's remarks are likely to fuel further debate on the fairness of the 2027 elections.
NDC's Defiant Stance Despite Challenges
Despite the obstacles he outlined, Galadima struck a combative tone, vowing that the NDC would not allow Tinubu to have an uncontested path to re-election. He said, "Tinubu is not thinking of a contest with anybody, but we won't allow it. Even if it's an empty coffin, all Nigerians must come together and throw him out for the sake of this country."
The NDC has been positioning itself as a formidable opposition force, having ratified Peter Obi as its presidential candidate on May 29, 2026. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on May 2, 2026, to join the NDC, signaling a major realignment in the opposition.
Implications for 2027 Elections
Galadima's statements highlight the intense political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections. The claim that Tinubu controls a vast majority of governors suggests that the APC has a strong grip on state machinery, which could be crucial for mobilizing support and resources. However, the opposition's determination, as expressed by Galadima, indicates a fierce battle ahead.
Governor Bala Mohammed's position remains a wildcard. If he decides to align with the opposition, it could shift the balance in the North-East region, potentially giving the NDC a significant boost. Conversely, if he stays with the APC, it would consolidate Tinubu's influence further.
Kwankwaso Welcomes APC Defectors in Kano
In a related development, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NDC's vice presidential candidate, welcomed a group of defectors from the APC in Madobi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State. The former Kano State governor expressed delight over the development in a statement on his official X account, indicating growing momentum for the NDC in the North-West.
The defections are seen as a sign of discontent within the APC ranks, as the NDC continues to attract politicians from various parties. With the 2027 elections still over a year away, the political landscape is likely to see more shifts and realignments as parties jostle for position.
Conclusion
Buba Galadima's revelations provide a rare insight into the behind-the-scenes negotiations and power plays that are shaping Nigeria's political future. As the NDC and other opposition parties gear up for the 2027 elections, the battle for control and influence is intensifying. Whether Governor Bala Mohammed will ultimately pick a side remains to be seen, but his decision could have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape.
