Alhaji Buba Galadima, a prominent chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government of orchestrating the Kano emirate crisis through security agencies, stating plainly: “Yes, using the police and security agencies to destabilise the state.”
During his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Galadima directly implicated President Bola Tinubu in Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s reinstatement: “Who will I blame, was it not Tinubu that appointed Sanusi? In the first place, was he not the one that conversed for Sanusi to be made Emir?” He stood by his claims, challenging: “Let him come out and tell you that he didn’t and I will give him instances. I am not making accusations, I am making statement of facts.”
The NNPP leader dismissed suggestions that Kano’s traditional rulers influence elections, asserting: “Emirs in Kano never helped anybody from 1954 to date in any election in Kano. We won the election without an Emir putting a mouth.” He attributed his party’s success to “radicalism and change” rather than royal support.
Galadima’s allegations follow months of tension since Sanusi’s controversial return to the throne, which sparked protests across Kano.
The political veteran also critiqued Nigeria’s leadership values, observing: “Influence in Nigeria is no longer tied to wisdom or seniority but to money and power.”
During the interview, Galadima raised additional concerns about recent by-elections, which he described as “conducted illegally by INEC.” He cited constitutional violations: “When a vacancy occurs, INEC is under obligation to conduct the by-election within three months. Some of the by-elections are being held two years after.” He warned of judicial consequences: “If anybody goes to court to challenge those elections, they will be declared null and void, because that is what the constitution says.”
Galadima saved harsh criticism for Nigeria’s political class, calling them “only usurpers in politicsโฆ only opportunists in politics.” He questioned INEC’s authority: “When INEC doesn’t even have the muzzle and the guts to call politicians into order because people in government are the ones that started, how do you expect a free and fair election under these people?”
The NNPP chieftain alleged electoral manipulation in Kano’s by-elections: “We won both. But they’ve taken one. Because they said at least they deserved one. In the constituency, we got 5,600 and something, while APC got only 265. Yet they declared themselves winners.”
He challenged the legality of cancellations: “Which electoral law says that the commissioner is in a position to cancel the results that were announced at the polling booth?”
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