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By Philip Nwosu
A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has criticised what he described as half-baked amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act and defended the party’s presidential aspirant, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, over allegations by the US House of Representatives linking him to terrorism financing.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV morning programme, Galadima faulted the Senate’s recent position on electronic transmission of election results, arguing that lawmakers had failed to make meaningful changes to the 2022 Electoral Act.
“They have not made any amendment on the 2022 electoral law because they left it as it is. What they had done, they were just half wise by half. And they thought that everybody is deaf, dumb and unintelligent like they are,” he said.
He insisted that only a clear commitment to electronic transmission of results would guarantee credibility, warning against what he termed partial measures.
“Either it is electronic transfer of election results or not. The Senate cannot be wise by half and they should be told so,” he added.
According to him, Nigerians overwhelmingly support electronic transmission, maintaining that “there is no single person except a beneficiary of fraud that supports manual transfer of election results.”
He recalled the reforms that preceded the 2015 general election, particularly the introduction of the card reader, which he said improved transparency in the electoral process.
“We went through this, I was in the forefront of fighting for the use of the card reader after studying the electoral processes in Ghana under Professor Oferegan,” he stated.
He urged citizens to hold lawmakers accountable, saying, “It is the duty of every Nigerian to come out and tell these people once and for all that enough is enough.”
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On allegations linking Kwankwaso to terrorism financing, he dismissed the claims as politically motivated and tied to the 2027 elections.
“I think that is most unfair. Most unfair to Kwankwaso, most unfair to his person and most unfair to his integrity as a peaceful Nigerian. What we see is the intrigues of the 2027 election,” he said.
Highlighting Kwankwaso’s political history, he described him as a principled leader who had made difficult decisions in the past. He cited Kwankwaso’s stance during the 2003 elections in Kano, which he claimed cost him his re-election as governor.
“Kwankwaso stood his ground, despite the fact that Obasanjo is a Christian, that whoever wants to vote for him must also vote for Obasanjo. That cost him his re-election as Governor of Kano State,” he said.
He also argued that Kwankwaso demonstrated tolerance in the implementation of Sharia law in Kano, stating that he was among the last governors to adopt it and ensured the protection of minority and tribal groups.
Addressing concerns about the NNPP’s political strength amid defections, he maintained that Kwankwaso remains a formidable force.
“If there is a free, fair election, nobody outside Kwankwaso’s camp can secure his deposit during an election. What stops Kwankwaso from springing from Kano to become president? It depends on the logistics and the hand of God,” he said.
He cautioned political actors and the media against dismissing public sentiment.
“Please, they should not provoke Nigerians because they believe that no Nigerian matters. We elected them as our servants, not our kings,” he stated.
