Nigerians are being shortchanged, and political heavyweight Buba Galadima is not holding back! The chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is calling out the Senate for what he terms ‘half-baked’ amendments to the nation’s electoral law. In a fiery interview, Galadima minced no words, demanding full transparency and insisting that the desire for electronic transmission of election results is a voice that cannot be ignored. Nigerians, he stresses, are united in their demand for a system free from manipulation.
- Buba Galadima criticizes Senate’s electoral act amendments.
- Insists on complete electronic transmission of results, no ‘half measures’.
- Defends Rabiu Kwankwaso against terrorism financing allegations.
- Recalls Nigeria’s 2015 electoral reforms and the impact of card readers.
- Urges citizens to actively pressure lawmakers for electoral integrity.
‘Wise By Half’ Reforms Spark Outrage
The recent moves by the Nigerian Senate regarding the electoral law have landed squarely in Buba Galadima’s crosshairs. He’s not just disappointed; he’s outright condemning the lawmakers’ approach. According to Galadima, they haven’t truly amended the 2022 electoral law but have instead opted for a half-hearted approach. “What they had done, they were just wise by half. And they thought that everybody is deaf, dumb and unintelligent like they are,” he declared, painting a vivid picture of his frustration. He made it crystal clear that any move short of full electronic transfer of results is a non-starter. “Either it is electronic transfer of election results or no. The Senate cannot be wise by half. And they should be told so.”
The Unwavering Nigerian Demand for Electronic Transmission
Galadima is adamant that the pulse of the nation beats for electronic transmission. He argues that only those who stand to benefit from electoral fraud would possibly advocate for manual results transfer. “There is no single person except a beneficiary of fraud that supports manual transfer of election results,” he stated with conviction. He drew parallels to Nigeria’s electoral progress in 2015, remembering his own advocacy for the use of card readers after studying electoral processes in Ghana. His message to fellow Nigerians is a call to action: “It is the duty of every Nigerian to come out and tell these people once and for all that enough is enough.”
Defending Kwankwaso Amidst Baseless Allegations
Shifting gears, Galadima addressed the serious allegations leveled against Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NNPP’s presidential aspirant, linking him to terrorism financing. Galadima vehemently dismissed these claims as politically motivated and unfair to Kwankwaso’s character and integrity. “I think that is most unfair. Most unfair to Kwankwaso, most unfair to his person and most unfair to his integrity as a peaceful Nigerian. What we see is intrigues of election 2027,” he commented. To underscore Kwankwaso’s character, Galadima recounted his principled stance during his tenure as governor of Kano State, even when it cost him re-election. He also highlighted Kwankwaso’s commitment to protecting minority and tribal groups under Sharia law, questioning how such a person could be accused of financing terrorism. He pointed out Kwankwaso’s reluctance and eventual implementation of Sharia law as proof of his thoughtful leadership.
NNPP’s Resilience and Kwankwaso’s Enduring Influence
Despite recent defections from the NNPP, Galadima remains confident in the party’s and Kwankwaso’s enduring political relevance. He asserted that in a free and fair election, no one outside Kwankwaso’s immediate circle could even secure their deposit. “What stops Kwankwaso from springing from Kano to become president? It depends on the logistics and the hand of God,” he remarked, hinting at the leader’s potential. He concluded with a stern warning to both the media and political actors, reminding them of their subservient role to the electorate. “Please, they should not provoke Nigerians because they believe that no Nigerian matters. We elected them our servants, not our kings.”
A Look Back at Electoral Reforms
Nigeria’s journey towards electoral transparency has seen significant milestones. The introduction of the card reader in 2015, a move Buba Galadima was instrumental in championing, marked a crucial step in verifying voter identities and reducing potential fraud. This technology helped to ensure that only registered voters could cast their ballots, enhancing the credibility of the election process. The ongoing debate around electronic transmission is seen by many as the next logical evolution in securing free and fair elections.
The Importance of Full Electronic Transmission
Full electronic transmission of election results offers several advantages. It significantly reduces the time between voting and the announcement of results, minimizing opportunities for manual manipulation or alteration. This system also enhances public trust by providing a clear, auditable trail of votes from the polling unit to the final tally. Unlike manual systems, electronic transmission can be more efficient and less prone to human error, especially in large-scale elections.
The push for electoral reforms is a continuous process, and the Nigerian populace, through figures like Buba Galadima, continues to demand systems that reflect their will and uphold the principles of democracy. The debate over the electoral act is not just about technology; it’s about trust, accountability, and the very foundation of Nigeria’s governance.