Elder statesman Alhaji Buba Galadima has issued a grave warning about the state of Nigeria's democracy, declaring that the country is dangerously close to complete collapse as the political elite systematically dismantles opposition voices.
Democracy Without Opposition Equals Dictatorship
The respected political figure sounded the alarm shortly after receiving The Sun Newspapers' Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of public service. Galadima stated that Nigeria stands "on the verge of dictatorship" as the ruling class attempts to absorb all political structures into a single obedient bloc.
"A democracy without opposition is dictatorship—pure and simple," Galadima declared during the ceremony. He identified the systematic elimination of alternative voices as the most alarming signal of democratic decay in Africa's most populous nation.
The veteran politician drew historical parallels to emphasize his point. "This is what happened in Germany under Hitler. He picked his victims one by one, and everyone said, 'It is not my turn,' until it consumed them all."
Personal Experience with Political Repression
Galadima shared his own harrowing experience with political persecution to illustrate the dangers of unchecked power. In 2004, he was arrested and charged with treason, kept in underground detention at Park Lane, and tried by twelve generals.
"If not for EU intervention led by Germany, I would have been sentenced," he revealed, noting that Nigeria appears to be returning to a similar climate where questioning authority is treated as criminal behavior.
He cautioned even members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that they should be concerned about the erosion of opposition. "If there is no opposition, the government will not need you. You will become irrelevant in your own party."
Current Political Climate and National Priorities
Galadima accused the presidency of pressuring state governors to align unquestioningly with its political direction, despite their judicial confirmed victories. "Why insist that every governor must belong to them? They don't even want elections—they want total control," he questioned.
According to the elder statesman, this centralization of political power demonstrates fear rather than strength. He lamented that Nigeria is being run like a personal estate rather than a republic governed by law, with no accountability anywhere.
He criticized national priorities such as the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway, which he said was imposed without public debate. "If this were brought for public debate, Nigerians would prefer 5,000 km of railway connecting the whole country. That would touch more lives than any coastal road."
Galadima described lawmakers who should speak up as "sellouts" who merely rubber-stamp executive desires, further contributing to democratic decline.
A Lifetime of Principle and Public Service
The Sun Lifetime Achievement Award recognized Galadima's decades of courageous service to democracy, public accountability, and nation-building. The management of The Sun newspaper, led by Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, presented the honor.
Galadima's citation highlighted his engineering training at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and his rise to become Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Authority, now known as NIMASA. His transition into politics at the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999 marked the beginning of a public career defined by boldness and principle.
He emerged as a leading figure in the opposition All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and later became one of the most vocal critics of President Olusegun Obasanjo's proposed local government reforms. Throughout his career, Galadima has been detained or harassed at least 38 times for his political activism, yet he never retreated from speaking truth to power.
Despite championing the political rise of former President Muhammadu Buhari for nearly a decade, Galadima distinguished himself by openly criticizing the administration when its policies deviated from democratic norms—unlike many politicians who voiced grievances only in private.
Reflecting on his long political journey, Galadima noted that many contemporaries who held key public offices have passed on, while he continues to speak out despite never being appointed or elected into high office. "Many of my colleagues became governors, ministers, secretaries to government and heads of major agencies. I was never given even a councillorship position. But very few of them have made a name like I have," he stated.
He attributed his influence not to money or position but to public trust, noting that people flock to his home from 5 a.m. daily "with nothing to collect. I have nothing to give, but they come because of what I represent—across party, tribe and religion."
Galadima emphasized that his recent award stood out because it was based on merit rather than influence or wealth, unlike many who "paid for national honors."
Despite the grim assessment, Galadima insisted that silence is not an option. "Every day is for the thief, but one day is for the owner. We must keep reminding the people, even if they ignore us." He called for national awakening, accountability, revival of strong opposition, and resistance to all forms of political intimidation.
The Board of Editors at The Sun Newspapers described Galadima as "a patriot who has remained fearless in the face of oppression, consistent in defence of democracy, and steadfast in the pursuit of a better Nigeria." The honor celebrates his lifetime of public service marked by integrity, courage, and exceptional contributions to national development.
