A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has raised concerns over what he described as growing restrictions on opposition political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Galadima alleged that opposition candidates were facing obstacles in some parts of the country, making it difficult for them to freely campaign and mobilise supporters ahead of the polls.
He made the allegations while appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he discussed the political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, some opposition politicians have allegedly been attacked or prevented from freely conducting political activities when they visit certain areas.
Galadima argued that the right to campaign, speak freely and move across the country is fundamental to democratic participation.
He questioned whether an electoral environment in which opposition politicians allegedly face restrictions could be regarded as a healthy democracy.
He said citizens should be allowed to freely choose the political parties and candidates they wish to support without intimidation or restrictions.
Galadima also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its government of creating conditions that make political competition difficult for opposition parties.
He said the situation could undermine the principles of free choice, freedom of expression and freedom of movement that underpin democratic governance.
The NDC chieftain, however, blamed citizens for allowing what he described as restrictions on political activities to persist.
“But all this they are doing is because we citizens have allowed them to do so,” he said.
Galadima also raised questions about campaign financing ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly the cost of political advertising and billboards.
He referred to the statutory limit on campaign spending by political parties and questioned whether parties could realistically comply with the limit given the alleged cost of billboards in some states.
He claimed that billboard costs in some locations could run into hundreds of millions or even billions of naira, potentially creating difficulties for parties seeking to campaign nationwide.
His comments come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with campaigns and voter mobilisation already becoming increasingly prominent across the country.
