Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of restricting opposition politicians from freely campaigning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Galadima alleged that opposition candidates face obstacles when attempting to campaign in different parts of the country, claiming that some politicians have also been attacked during their visits to certain areas.

He made the allegations while appearing on ARISE News’ Prime Time on Tuesday, where he discussed the political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to Galadima, the alleged restrictions were making it difficult for opposition parties to operate freely.

“There are blocks put in the path of the opposition. This APC and its government does not want any opposition person to campaign in any part of the country, as they are stoned wherever they go. They also want to make life impossible for those opposite them,” he said.

The NDC chieftain questioned whether such restrictions were consistent with democratic principles, arguing that political parties and candidates should be able to campaign, speak and move freely.

“So, why should we call it democracy? We can just as well call it fascism, or dictatorship, or monarchy,” he said.

Galadima added that democratic governance should uphold what he described as the principles of free choice, free speech and freedom of movement, which he said were protected by the Nigerian Constitution.

He also 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,” Galadima said.

The politician further raised concerns about the cost of political campaigns, particularly the money being demanded for billboards in different parts of the country.

Galadima cited the Electoral Act’s campaign spending limit for political parties and questioned how parties could comply with the limit given the alleged cost of political advertising.

“Do you know how much they are asking for one billboard in Abuja? In Imo, it is N1 billion. One billboard, not the whole state. Just to fix one billboard, you pay N1 billion,” he said.

He argued that if political parties were required to spend up to N1 billion on billboards across different states, the total could exceed the statutory campaign spending limit.

“So, if you have to pay every state one billion, and you pay 37 states, which is 37 billion naira, including Abuja, did you run foul of the Act or not? So, why can’t somebody say anything?” he asked.

Galadima’s allegations come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with campaigns, consultations and political realignments increasing ahead of the polls. (The Sun)

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