The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Buba Galadima, on Saturday sparked outrage after urging Nigerians to go to polling units armed with “bottles and jerry cans of kerosene” during the 2027 general elections.
Galadima made the remark at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja, where he called on citizens to defend their votes “at all costs.”
He said, “Salvaging a country from the hands of fascists like this is not an easy thing. It needs sacrifice, strategy and the use of the internet. So, ladies and gentlemen, be prepared to be in the trenches to safeguard our freedom. Let no one deceive you that it is going to be an easy task.
“In your revolution, I expect you to say, come rain, come shine, we must democratically, through the ballot box, remove this bad government. The ball is in our court.
“And during the elections, whether I am alive or dead, go to the polling centres with your bottles and jerry cans of kerosene. Either they do what is right, or we all die there. So there will be no beneficiary.”
The NNPP chieftain accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to stifle opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle, alleging a broader plan to impose a sole presidential candidate on Nigerians.
Galadima also suggested that the opposition would overcome what he described as systemic suppression, expressing confidence that a coalition could defeat the APC at the polls.
He further warned of alleged plots to frustrate opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress, through legal and procedural hurdles.
“To any clever man, you should have known that a booby trap was set for ADC at the Supreme Court,” he said, citing recent court rulings which he claimed could make it difficult for the party to field candidates within constitutional timelines.
The elder statesman further raised concerns about the safety of opposition figures, alleging that desperate political actors could resort to extreme measures.
Galadima maintained that despite the challenges, Nigerians must remain committed to democratic change through the ballot.
His comments come amid growing political tension and realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties exploring coalition strategies to challenge the ruling party.
(Punch)
