A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Buba Galadima, says he has forgiven former President Muhammadu Buhari for any personal or political wrongs before his death.
Galadima, who worked closely with Buhari for 15 years, said he was shocked when he got news of the former leader’s death. “I was shocked, completely taken aback. It was unexpected, even though we knew he had been unwell,” he said in an interview.
He recalled their close relationship, starting from 1975 when Buhari became military governor of the old Northeastern State. Galadima said, “I knew General Buhari as far back as 1975. We worked very closely for 15 years.”
He explained that even though their relationship later broke down due to political reasons, he still respected Buhari. “I’ve forgiven him for any infractions, personal or political because death is a path we all must take,” he said.
Galadima said he was the operational head of Buhari’s political machinery and helped form The Buhari Organisation, TBO, that made the former president popular. “We worked hard to build Buhari’s political career to the point that Nigerians began to recognize his leadership potential,” he said.
He also mentioned that his arrest and trial under Obasanjo’s government in 2004 was part of his sacrifice. “I suffered harassment, deprivation. I was arrested 38 times and even faced a treason trial,” he stated.
Galadima noted that after Buhari won the presidency, they parted ways because of internal conflicts and political ambition from others. “When I see some people eulogizing Buhari on TV or radio, I laugh because they were our main adversaries when we stood by him,” he said.
He described Buhari as a man of humility who loved the poor but trusted people too much. “His greatest legacy was his attitude, humility and love for the poor. But his failure to supervise allowed people to misuse his trust,” Galadima said.
He also revealed that their mission to bring Buhari into politics was partly to stop the OPC’s attacks in the southwest, which they felt the Obasanjo government was not addressing. “We achieved our first purpose of putting a brake on what OPC was doing,” he said.
Galadima added that he is writing a book that will include critical chapters about Buhari’s policies but not his person. “I wish I would live to see the launch of that book,” he said.
He prayed for Buhari’s soul and said, “For some of us, we have forgiven him.”
