A prominent chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has expressed deep doubts over the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free and fair election under the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Galadima accused the Tinubu administration of neglecting governance and diving too early into political maneuvering, just two years after taking office. He argued that INEC has become too weak to check or control the activities of politicians, especially those in power.
Galadima, who was once a close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari and a vocal critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said INEC under Tinubu lacks the courage to play its constitutional role as an independent referee in Nigeria’s political process.
He lamented that in the past, INEC used to caution politicians when they began political campaigns too early or heated up the polity ahead of election seasons. According to him, this is no longer the case.
“See, when INEC was INEC, when politicians started to heat the polity, the commission would come out and warn them that it was not yet time for politicking,” Galadima said. “But now, look at what is going on — massive politicking, only two years into the life of this administration, and INEC is silent. They don’t have the muscle or the guts to call politicians to order.”
He added: “The people in government are the ones who have already started. So how do you expect INEC to organise a free and fair election when it cannot even stop early politicking?”
Galadima’s remarks come amid growing concerns about early political campaigns and jostling for power, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. Although the election is still about two years away, political activities have already begun to pick up across the country, with groups holding meetings, issuing endorsements, and making public statements that suggest early campaigning.
Under Nigerian law, official campaigning is supposed to begin only a few months before an election, after INEC has declared the campaign season open. However, this rule is frequently violated, with little to no consequences.
Galadima argued that if INEC cannot enforce this basic rule, it is unrealistic to expect the commission to stand up to more serious challenges, such as electoral manipulation or government interference during actual elections.
“Well, if they can’t stop politicians from gate-crashing or jumping the gun, how do you think they will have the liver to conduct a free and fair election?” he asked.
According to Galadima, the Tinubu administration appears more focused on staying in power than delivering good governance. He claimed that rather than addressing key national issues such as insecurity, inflation, or infrastructure, the government and its supporters are more interested in preparing for the next elections.
“You, in your own estimation, if they just can’t say, ‘Look, mister man, stop, it is not yet time for politicking — it’s time for governance,’ then what hope do we have?” Galadima asked rhetorically during the interview.
He further hinted that opposition voices, including himself, are watching and waiting for the right moment to respond.
“That is why some of us are keeping quiet,” he said. “We are waiting for the daytime, and when we start, the world will know that we are here.”
Buba Galadima has long been a vocal figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. Once a founding member of the APC, he fell out with the ruling party and has since become a major critic. His recent statements are likely to deepen political tension as the nation heads toward another election cycle.
INEC, on its part, has been facing increasing public pressure to demonstrate independence and transparency. The commission came under heavy criticism during the 2023 general elections, with several opposition parties accusing it of bias and poor management of the electoral process.
Political analysts say Galadima’s remarks may resonate with many Nigerians who feel that early political campaigns are distracting leaders from the real task of governance.
“Galadima is voicing what a lot of people are thinking,” said Abuja-based political analyst, Tayo Lawal. “There is a sense that the country is already in election mode while citizens are struggling with high food prices, insecurity, and joblessness.”
As 2027 draws closer, the pressure is mounting on INEC to assert its authority and ensure that the electoral process is respected by all political actors. Whether the commission can overcome public doubt and re-establish trust remains to be seen.
