2027: Tinubu has support of almost 35 govs, says Buba Galadima
Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, claims President Bola Tinubu has the support of 34.5 of Nigeria’s 36 state governors for the 2027 general elections.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
A prominent figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, asserts that President Bola Tinubu enjoys overwhelming gubernatorial backing for his 2027 re-election bid, specifically citing 34 and a half governors. He identifies Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as the sole firm opponent, while Abia State Governor Alex Otti is aligned, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohamme…
Imagine a big school where the head student, President Tinubu, wants to be head student again. A grown-up named Buba says that almost all the class presidents (governors) in the school are on President Tinubu's team, like having nearly all your friends agree to play your game. Only one class president is definitely not on his team, and another is still thinking about it, making President Tinubu's chances of being head student again look very strong.
Analysis
Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a significant claim regarding President Bola Tinubu's political standing ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Galadima, President Tinubu commands the support of an impressive "34 and a half" of Nigeria's 36 state governors. This assertion, made during the inauguration of the NDC reconciliation committee, paints a picture of a president with a formidable base of support among state executives, which is a critical factor in Nigerian presidential politics.
Buba Galadima's Claim
Galadima's specific breakdown of gubernatorial allegiance highlights the perceived strength of President Tinubu's influence. He explicitly stated that only Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is firmly outside Tinubu's camp. This suggests a near-unanimous alignment of state leaders with the incumbent president, a scenario that could significantly ease his path to re-election.
The 'half' in Galadima's count refers to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. Mohammed, who had reportedly considered defecting to the NDC, ultimately changed his mind after being advised against joining a party with a strong presidential candidate. This places him in a precarious position, described as being "on the fence," with the potential to work with either the NDC or Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gubernatorial Alignments
The article further details the political leanings of other key governors. Abia State Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party is cited as being aligned with President Tinubu, despite belonging to an opposition party. This indicates that political affiliations are not always strictly along party lines, with cross-party alliances forming in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
This claim by Galadima comes against a backdrop of significant political realignments across Nigeria. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expanded its control to 31 of Nigeria's 36 state governorships through a series of high-profile defections. These include former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors such as Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), as well as Abba Yusuf of Kano from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Additionally, some remaining opposition governors, like Charles Soludo of Anambra (APGA) and Ademola Adeleke of Osun (Accord), have publicly endorsed Tinubu's re-election bid, further solidifying his perceived support base.
2027 Political Landscape
The widespread support claimed by Galadima, coupled with the documented defections and endorsements, suggests a potentially less competitive presidential election in 2027. A president with the backing of nearly all state governors holds a significant advantage in mobilizing resources, influencing local politics, and garnering votes across the federation. This level of support could also translate into smoother governance, as federal and state policies might face less resistance.
However, the fluidity of Nigerian politics means that such claims, while indicative, are subject to change. The position of governors like Bala Mohammed, who are still weighing their options, underscores the ongoing negotiations and strategic maneuvering that will continue to shape the political landscape. The opposition's ability to coalesce and present a united front will be crucial in challenging what appears to be a dominant position for the incumbent president.
Key points
- Buba Galadima claims President Tinubu has the support of 34.5 out of 36 state governors for the 2027 elections.
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is identified as the only governor firmly outside Tinubu's camp.
- Abia State Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party is considered aligned with the President.
- Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed is described as 'on the fence,' potentially working with either the NDC or APC.
- The claim comes amidst significant political realignments, including numerous defections of opposition governors to the APC.
If President Tinubu indeed secures such broad gubernatorial support, it could foster greater political stability and potentially smoother implementation of national policies, leading to more unified governance across Nigeria. This widespread backing might also reduce political friction, allowing for a more focused approach on economic and social development initiatives.
Conversely, if the claims of overwhelming support are exaggerated or if the 'on the fence' governors shift allegiance, it could signal underlying political instability and a more contentious 2027 election. Such a scenario might lead to increased political maneuvering and potential disruptions to governance as factions vie for influence.
