Controversy has trailed comments by a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Buba Galadima, who urged Nigerians to go to polling units with “bottles and jerry cans of kerosene” during the 2027 general elections.
Galadima, who serves as Secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, made the remarks on Saturday at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja.
Addressing participants, he called on citizens to be prepared to defend their votes, insisting that reclaiming the country would require sacrifice and resilience.
He said the struggle for change would not be easy, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in pursuing what he described as democratic transformation through the ballot.
“In your quest, be ready to stand firm. Whether I am alive or not, go to the polling centres prepared. Either the right thing is done, or there will be consequences,” he said.
The remarks have, however, sparked criticism, with observers expressing concern over the implications of such statements in an already tense political climate.
Galadima also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle, alleging efforts to impose a single presidential candidate on Nigerians.
He further claimed that opposition platforms, particularly the African Democratic Congress, were being undermined through legal and procedural hurdles, referencing recent court developments.
Despite the concerns raised, the NNPP chieftain expressed confidence that a united opposition could defeat the ruling party in 2027, urging Nigerians to remain committed to democratic processes.
His comments come amid increasing political alignments and heightened rhetoric as parties begin early manoeuvres ahead of the next general elections.
