The voice of Engr. Buba Galadima carries a weight that cannot be dismissed lightly. It is not merely the lament of a seasoned political actor; it is the anguish of a generation that has given decades to Nigeria’s turbulent political journey, only to be repaid with betrayal. When a man “well above the age of 75,” one who openly admits he does not surrender easily to emotion, speaks of shedding tears, the nation ought to pause and listen.
“I and Rabiu Kwankwaso worked very hard to ensure that Abba Yusuf became governor of Kano State,” Galadima said. “Despite all our efforts and sacrifices, the governor betrayed both of us by leaving the NNPP for the APC.” These words strike at the heart of Nigeria’s chronic political crisis: the absence of loyalty to principles, platforms, and the people who invest trust, time, and sacrifice into political projects. What Galadima describes is not just personal hurt; it is the recurring story of Nigerian politics where mandates are treated as private property and political platforms as disposable vehicles.
The emotional depth of Galadima’s statement is amplified by his reflection on age and restraint. “You see me with white hair, you don’t know my age… if I could shed tears on anything, it must have touched me beyond expression.” This is a sober reminder that political betrayal is not abstract—it leaves scars, even on those who have weathered coups, transitions, and decades of power struggles. When elders who have seen it all are moved to tears, it exposes how deeply corrosive today’s brand of opportunistic politics has become.
Beyond Kano and beyond personalities, this episode raises troubling questions about democratic ethics in Nigeria. What does party loyalty mean? What value do political agreements hold? And how can citizens trust leaders who ascend to power on one platform only to defect once victory is secured? Such actions deepen public cynicism, weaken opposition structures, and reduce governance to a game of personal survival rather than public service.
Engr. Buba Galadima’s tears, aired on Capacity Media Trust (Radio)—a platform rooted in human rights advocacy—are symbolic. They reflect the pain of betrayed alliances, the erosion of political morality, and the exhaustion of a country where ambition too often trumps honour. If Nigeria must move forward, these tears should not be mocked or ignored; they should serve as an indictment of a political culture that normalises betrayal and trivialises sacrifice.
In the end, this is not just Galadima’s story. It is Nigeria’s story—and until betrayal carries consequences, the cycle will continue, leaving behind more broken trust, wounded elders, and a democracy poorer in spirit.
