A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has cautioned that Nigerians could channel their frustration at the ballot box in 2027 if economic hardship and insecurity continue under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Galadima issued the warning on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today, where he criticised the administration’s policies and dismissed claims that living conditions have improved.
He urged authorities not to underestimate public anger, referencing reported arrests of individuals over critical public commentary.
“Look at young men in Kano who go on radio to express opinions. They have been arrested and sent to jail. Sometimes tried in the night by judges who are forced to jail them,” he alleged.
According to him, such actions, if unchecked, could trigger broader unrest.
“Things start small. You don’t know how they can blossom and become something else. They shouldn’t presume that Nigerians are gullible and that they cannot react,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the 2015 general election, Galadima argued that Nigerians had previously demonstrated their willingness to remove an incumbent government over insecurity.
He referenced the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose administration faced criticism over insurgency in the North-East.
“When things were far less severe than what we see today, Nigerians rose to the occasion and removed that government,” Galadima said.
“If you could remove Jonathan’s government over insecurity in the North-East, what would you do to the APC government?” he added.
Galadima also accused the Federal Government of undermining agriculture through grain importation policies and rising production costs, particularly the price of fertiliser.
“This government has killed agriculture deliberately, disenfranchising farmers who make up 75 per cent of the population. You have to buy a bag of fertiliser for ₦60,000 to ₦70,000,” he said.
He rejected claims that economic hardship is easing, arguing that farming activity in rural communities is declining.
During a recent visit to Maiduguri, he claimed dry-season farming was virtually non-existent, warning that rice mills established during the previous administration could suffer if production drops further.
Galadima maintained that disenfranchising rural farmers could have serious political consequences, stressing that economic and security concerns remain central to voter decisions ahead of 2027.