Buba Galadima, a prominent figure in the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), shed light on how northern groups recruited the late President Muhammadu Buhari into Nigerian politics during a recent appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show.
Galadima revealed that the motivation behind bringing Buhari into the political arena stemmed from significant unrest caused by the Oduduwa Peoples Congress (OPC) in Ilorin between 1999 and 2000. The OPC’s actions aimed to dismantle what they termed “Fulani structures,” which alarmed many in the northern community.
He explained that key figures in the north felt compelled to act, particularly as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu appeared to be doing little to address the escalating situation.
Galadima recalled, “Those of us who recruited Buhari had a clear mission, and today, I will narrate that mission.” He emphasized that Buhari was initially cautious about entering politics, having a strong disdain for politicians whom he viewed as insincere.
In response to the crisis, Galadima convened a meeting in Kaduna with about 34 northern leaders to discuss strategies to protect their people from the OPC threat. He articulated a belief that governments could only be changed through two methods: force or elections. Despite doubting their ability to challenge General Obasanjo, they concluded that Buhari could be the answer.
“When we approached him, he expressed strong reservations about joining politics. However, he did not outright refuse, and we persisted in our efforts,” Galadima recounted.
Read Also:
- Buhari: Nigerian Oil Marketers Announce Petrol Price Reduction In Honour Of Late President
- Adesina Slams Nigerian Healthcare: ‘Buhari Would Be Dead If He Used Local Hospitals’
Ultimately, their endeavors paid off as Buhari’s entry into politics significantly countered the OPC’s activities. Galadima noted that after Buhari joined the political fray, the Obasanjo government became increasingly vigilant, indicating the tangible impact of their recruitment efforts.
“In summary, we accomplished our primary goal of halting the OPC’s advances. Buhari’s involvement instigated a notable shift in the political landscape—a shift that ultimately shaped the history of Nigeria,” he concluded.
