Summary: NDC chieftain Buba Galadima has dropped a bombshell, alleging that the APC is quietly paying opposition candidates between N50 million and N200 million — plus brand new cars — to step down from their 2027 electoral ambitions. Here’s everything you need to know.
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If you thought Nigerian politics could not get any more dramatic, think again. Buba Galadima, a heavyweight chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and a man who knows the corridors of power quite well, has come out swinging with a serious allegation — one that could shake the foundation of the 2027 general elections before the campaigns even properly begin.
According to Galadima, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is allegedly running a well-oiled operation to systematically compromise opposition candidates by offering them mouth-watering financial inducements ranging from N50 million to N200 million, plus brand new cars, in exchange for stepping down from their 2027 electoral tickets.
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“Follow the Money” — What Galadima Is Alleging
For those who have followed Nigerian politics since the days of the PDP’s dominance, Buba Galadima is no stranger to inside information. The man has been in the room where decisions are made. So when he speaks, many political watchers sit up and listen.
Galadima’s allegation paints a troubling picture — that rather than preparing to face a competitive electoral contest in 2027, the APC may be working behind the scenes to weaken the opposition by essentially buying out potential challengers before they can even warm up their megaphones.
The pattern, as he describes it, is systematic. Candidates who could pose a real threat to APC’s grip on power are reportedly being approached with briefcases full of cash and car keys, with a simple message: collect your settlement and quietly forfeit your ticket.
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Why This Allegation Matters to Every Nigerian
Let’s be real — most Nigerians are already struggling with the biting effects of economic hardship. Fuel prices remain high, the naira continues to face pressure, and the cost of living has left millions tightening their belts. Against this backdrop, allegations of hundreds of millions of naira being allegedly splashed on political deals — rather than invested in roads, hospitals, or schools — will naturally stir anger and frustration across the country.
Beyond the economic angle, this allegation strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s democracy*. If opposition candidates are being financially neutralised before elections, it raises a fundamental question: *Are Nigerians truly being given a choice at the ballot box?
A healthy democracy thrives on genuine competition. When voters in Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, or Maiduguri go to cast their votes, they deserve real alternatives — not a stage-managed selection where the outcome has already been negotiated in some Abuja hotel suite.
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The APC’s Alleged Playbook
While the APC is yet to officially respond to these allegations, this is not the first time accusations of opposition inducement have surfaced in Nigerian political discourse. The practice, locally known in political circles as “settlement,” has long been rumoured as a tool used by parties in power to thin out competitive fields.
What makes Galadima’s allegation particularly striking is the scale and specificity of the figures involved. N50 million to N200 million is not pocket change — even by Nigerian political standards. Add a brand new car to that package, and you begin to understand why some candidates might be tempted to trade their political ambitions for immediate financial comfort.
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What This Means for 2027
With 2027 still on the horizon, the political temperature in Nigeria is already rising fast. Several opposition figures have been positioning themselves, alliances are being formed and broken, and the battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy is very much underway.
If Galadima’s allegations carry weight, it suggests that the race for 2027 may be far dirtier than many anticipated. Opposition parties and civil society groups will need to be more vigilant than ever, and Nigerian voters must remain engaged and demand transparency from all political actors — regardless of party affiliation.
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The Bottom Line
Buba Galadima has thrown a serious allegation into the public square, and it deserves serious scrutiny. Whether or not formal investigations follow, the court of public opinion is already in session.
As Nigerians, we must continue to ask hard questions, hold our leaders accountable, and refuse to allow our democracy to be traded away — whether for N50 million, N200 million, or any amount of money.
Your vote is your power. Don’t let anyone — or any amount of cash — take that away from you.
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Stay with buzzUp9ja for more updates as this story develops. Drop your thoughts in the comments — what do you make of Galadima’s allegations?
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