Pat Utomi Speaks on Five‑Decade Rivalry with Buba Galadima
A former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, has opened up about his long‑standing political disagreements with veteran politician Buba Galadima, noting that despite their differences they remain close friends.
NDC Reconciliation Committee Inaugurated
The committee was launched barely 48 hours after the party announced its constitution, part of efforts to heal grievances and litigation from the recent primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Utomi’s Remarks at the Inauguration
Speaking at the event, Utomi, who also chairs the committee, described the assignment as both a privilege and a major responsibility. He said, “I feel humble and challenged by this assignment. I’m extremely privileged to be in the company I’m in. Buba Galadima and I have been fighting for 50 years, and we are still very good friends. So it means that we can equally make other people become friends.”
He added that working with such figures shows it is possible to achieve unity for everyone to see Nigeria’s future, and that he is also involved in shaping the party’s manifesto and policies.
Vision for a Youth‑Focused Party
Utomi stressed that the NDC is a party of the future, focused on the young people of Nigeria, whose median age is 19.5 years. He urged the party to envision a future where this large youth population becomes global champions, leaving behind petty disputes.
Galadima’s Perspective on the Challenge
Co‑chairman Buba Galadima acknowledged that reconciling aggrieved members will be a hard nut to crack but expressed optimism that the committee will succeed. He warned that the Electoral Act has been skewed against the opposition, making it difficult for parties to produce strong candidates without rancour, and called on Nigerians to unite and vote out President Tinubu in 2027.
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