THE Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Buba Galadima, has hinted at an imminent political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, revealing that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would announce a new political platform on Monday.
News Point Nigeria reports that Galadima disclosed this on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja, amid growing uncertainty surrounding opposition coalitions and political alignments ahead of the next presidential election.
Although he did not disclose the name of the platform, sources close to the two opposition leaders told The PUNCH that Obi and Kwankwaso were concluding arrangements to join the newly floated Nigeria Democratic Congress, believed to be linked to former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson.
A source within the camp of the opposition leaders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that discussions and documentation had already reached an advanced stage.
According to the source, “Both Obi, Kwankwaso and their chieftains were on ground between yesterday and this morning signing the relevant documents with Senator Dickson and the NDC leaders.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened in the ADC to occur again. We discovered late that Atiku and his loyalists lured our leaders to that opposition party to fulfil only one single mission, Atiku’s presidential ambition.
“All is now set. Both Obi and Kwankwaso will announce their defection from the ADC on Monday.”
The planned move follows weeks of speculation over the political future of both leaders, especially amid recent Supreme Court developments affecting opposition parties and internal party structures.
Addressing journalists at the event, Galadima warned supporters to prepare for what he described as coordinated attacks and propaganda campaigns that could follow the announcement of the new platform.
“As from Monday, when our leaders declare on which platform they will run, I want to tell you that one of two things will happen,” he said.
“First, they will sponsor columnists. Two, they will deploy social media influencers to start attacking our candidates. For all of you who are on social media and those with the mighty pen, you must be prepared to respond to anything they are going to say.”
He described Obi and Kwankwaso as “people of integrity and honour,” urging supporters to counter criticisms with what he called “the ferociousness that is needed of an intelligent man.”
The NNPP chieftain further advised supporters, particularly those active on social media, to respond strategically and avoid initiating attacks.
Drawing an analogy from the recent tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Galadima said supporters should only respond when provoked.
“The analogy I’m going to draw here is that don’t call anybody any name until they call our leaders names. Then we will respond with the greatest might of intellect in us,” he stated.
“These are people who are living in their comfort zones, and they want to start a war. We will help them add kerosene. We are already lying flat on the floor. Are we afraid to fall? So over to them.”
Galadima also alleged that opposition leaders had faced sustained repression and intimidation, claiming security agencies had maligned and detained some figures as part of a broader effort to weaken dissenting voices.
According to him, the alleged suppression had now entered a second phase involving the systematic weakening of opposition platforms.
He listed parties such as the SDP, PDP, ADC, NDP and PRP among those he claimed had been “decimated,” warning that the political situation could deteriorate further if desperate actors resorted to extreme measures.
Also speaking at the gathering, businessman Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, expressed strong support for the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance.
“I am not a politician and don’t need to join your political party. But let me say that O-K (Obi-Kwankwaso) is okay for me,” he said.
Fayose recalled his experience during the last general election in Lagos, particularly in Ibeju-Lekki, where he claimed the opposition enjoyed overwhelming support despite alleged attempts to manipulate the process.
“This time, I can tell you that we have already won in 28 out of 36 states. These 28 are already O-K. They are ready to vote,” he declared.
“So it is up to them to say this time, you can’t steal our votes. And we have to be ready for that because it is easy to vote.”
Using a local analogy, Fayose likened elections to preparing garri, saying supporters must remain vigilant to protect their votes.
“This time, our garri will not swell up. As they are putting water, we will be drinking it like that,” he said, while lamenting the country’s economic situation and the N70,000 minimum wage.
Popular activist Aisha Yesufu also addressed participants at the meeting, calling on Nigerians to rise above ethnic and regional divisions in the interest of national unity.
“It is time for us to become a nation that is working,” she said.
“The next time they say to you that this is an Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba person, tell them indeed, we are all Nigerians.”
Yesufu urged Nigerians, especially educated citizens and activists, to use their voices for the benefit of millions who lacked similar opportunities.
“We must unite right now. When they tell you about the generational hatred, ask them, where did it lead you to? Where has it also led Nigeria? We are brothers and sisters. We must not forget that,” she added.