Rabiu Kwankwaso Is the Only Politician Nigeria Needs – Buba Galadima Declares

New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) chieftain Buba Galadima, has stated that Nigeria’s political salvation lies in the leadership of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Galadima, speaking in a televised interview on ARISE News on Friday, declared that Kwankwaso is “the only politician this country needs and ought to follow,” citing his proven public service track record, wide national appeal, and unwavering political consistency.

Galadima’s remarks come amid growing speculation about Kwankwaso’s political future and rumours of potential realignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Galadima dismissed such claims as baseless, affirming that Kwankwaso remains firmly within the NNPP, strategically positioned to play a key role in Nigeria’s future leadership.

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“Kwankwaso Has What Nigeria Needs” – Galadima

According to Galadima, the evidence of Kwankwaso’s relevance lies in the public perception of him as a principled and competent politician. He noted that despite not actively campaigning or seeking media attention, Nigerians across various platforms continue to speak positively about him, which he believes is a sign of true political substance.

“We had several things being said in the social media, in the press, but that only goes to confirm that Kwankwaso is the only politician that this country needs and ought to follow,” Galadima said. “He is such a strategic politician that he has decided to keep quiet, and people are campaigning for him free of charge instead of him spending money to launder his image.”

Galadima stressed that Kwankwaso’s broad acceptance, particularly in the North, and his reputation for effective governance during his tenure as governor of Kano State, make him not only electable but ideal for national leadership.

“Everybody says he’s capable. Everybody says he has capacity. What more do you need in a politician?” he asked rhetorically. “Every Nigerian needs him. Every political party needs him. Why don’t they support him to become the president of Nigeria so that he can deliver the dividends of democracy?”

Dismisses Defection Rumours: “We Remain Strategic”

Responding to speculation that Kwankwaso might defect to the APC following the resignation of former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje as APC national chairman, Galadima insisted there was no truth to such rumours. He acknowledged that both the APC and PDP have made overtures to Kwankwaso, but affirmed that he remains loyal to the NNPP.

“We heard several things—that Ganduje’s resignation or forced removal was to bring in Kwankwaso—but nobody has provided any evidence,” he said. “We even saw fake pictures of him holding an APC membership card. These are distractions.”

Galadima said the attempts by rival parties to lure Kwankwaso only highlight his political value and national appeal. “Of course, the PDP, the APC, and even the coalition have tried to woo Kwankwaso, but he has remained strategic and steadfast.”

He emphasized that the NNPP leadership remains committed to its ideology and would not abandon the platform that has become a growing voice in Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. “We will remain in our party strategically until the whistle is blown for politics,” he affirmed.

Defending the NNPP’s Unity and Legitimacy

Addressing media reports of internal conflict within the NNPP, Galadima unequivocally denied the existence of any serious divisions. He stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) only recognizes one official faction of the party.

“There was an election held in Ondo. And there is an election going to be held in Anambra. Which logo of the political party is INEC displaying?” he asked. “There is only one NNPP.”

Galadima’s comments suggest an effort to dispel public confusion caused by infighting among rival factions, some of which have laid claim to the party’s leadership. He maintained that only one legitimate leadership structure exists and that INEC’s recognition further solidifies that reality.

Kwankwaso’s Growing Political Clout

Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former defence minister and senator, emerged as a prominent opposition figure in the 2023 general elections, drawing support particularly from the North and youth movements across the country. Known for his populist governance style and the red-cap Kwankwasiyya movement, he has been viewed by many as a potential alternative to the established political elite.

Galadima’s latest endorsement reinforces perceptions of Kwankwaso as a major contender in future political contests. With calls for reform and competent leadership growing louder in Nigeria, analysts suggest that figures like Kwankwaso, who combine administrative experience with grassroots appeal, may be central to the country’s political evolution.

In Galadima’s view, Nigeria’s political elite should rally behind such leadership. “This country is in desperate need of sincere and capable leadership. And Kwankwaso is the man for the job,” he said.