Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket Will Heal Nigeria, Says Galadima

A leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Engineer Buba Galadima, has described the Peter Obi-Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso presidential ticket as a “healing ticket,” saying it has the potential to unite Nigeria and address the country’s long-standing divisions.

Galadima made the remarks during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, where he said members of the Kwankwasiyya movement were backing Obi because they believe his alliance with Kwankwaso offers the best opportunity to rebuild the country.

 

“It is our belief that this is the only ticket that can salvage Nigeria. Not only salvage it, but it is a ticket we call the ‘healing ticket,’ designed so that we can forget the past,” he said.

According to Galadima, the alliance was deliberately formed to strengthen ties between Northern Nigeria and the South-East, stressing that Obi should be viewed as a national leader rather than a candidate representing a particular ethnic group.

He said the group had spent more than two years promoting understanding and dialogue between the two regions, adding that the effort had helped reduce tensions.

Galadima further disclosed that Obi had pledged to prioritise security, agriculture and education if elected president, while involving members of the alliance in addressing the country’s challenges.

“Peter Obi has agreed that if he becomes the President of Nigeria, he will not only address these three issues personally, but he will make us part of those who will work on these issues,” he said.

Responding to critics of the alliance, Galadima argued that there was no basis for attacking supporters of Obi, noting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had previously selected running mates from the South-East.

He acknowledged that ethnic and religious politics had contributed to Nigeria’s divisions but maintained that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket was built on the principle of national unity.

“This ticket is not about Igbos, Hausas, Yorubas, Islam, or Christianity. This ticket is about Nigeria,” he said.

Galadima added that the alliance would prioritise job creation, agriculture, skills development and local manufacturing if elected, with the aim of reviving the economy and reducing unemployment.