Buba Galadima Slams All Progressives Congress Over Hardship, Warns Against Ignoring Public Anger

A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has criticised the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing claims that living conditions have improved and warning that authorities should not underestimate public dissatisfaction.

Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Galadima accused the government of clamping down on dissent and ignoring the growing frustration among Nigerians.

He cited instances in Kano where young men were allegedly arrested and jailed for expressing their opinions on radio programmes, claiming that some were tried at night and sentenced under pressure. According to him, such actions could fuel wider unrest if not addressed.

“Things start small. You don’t know how they can blossom and become something else. They shouldn’t presume that Nigerians are gullible and cannot react,” he said.

References to 2015 Election

Galadima argued that the 2015 general election demonstrated Nigerians’ willingness to vote out an incumbent government over insecurity. He recalled how the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan was defeated amid concerns over insecurity in the North-East, particularly the activities of Boko Haram and the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls.

He suggested that the current administration should draw lessons from that political shift, warning that public frustration could again influence electoral outcomes.

Criticism of Economic Policies

Turning to economic issues, Galadima accused the APC-led government of undermining agriculture through import policies and rising production costs, especially the high price of fertiliser, which he said now sells for between ?60,000 and ?70,000 per bag.

He argued that farmers — who he claimed make up a large portion of the population — have been adversely affected, adding that farming activities, including dry-season farming in parts of the North, have reportedly declined.

Galadima warned that continued grain importation and rising costs could negatively impact local rice mills established during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Broader Political Context

The APC came to power in 2015 after campaigning against insecurity and economic challenges under Jonathan’s administration. Party leaders, including current President Bola Tinubu, had argued at the time that stronger leadership was needed to address national security concerns.

Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu’s administration has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates. While the government maintains that these measures are necessary to stabilise the economy, critics say they have contributed to record inflation and rising living costs.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, political debates are intensifying, as opposition figures continue to challenge the APC’s economic and security record, while the Federal Government insists that ongoing reforms will yield long-term benefits.