By: Erewunmi Peace

A prominent Nigerian political figure, Buba Galadima, has revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari was drafted into politics to curb an alleged threat by the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) against Fulani interests in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

Galadima made the explosive claim during a live interview on the Arise Television Morning Show on Monday, July 15, 2025.

According to Galadima, the OPC allegedly mobilized over 500 buses to Ilorin in an attempt to “dismantle Fulani structures.” He said a group of northern leaders, including himself, saw this as a serious threat and took steps to counter the move by involving Buhari in active politics

“It was to protect our people, the Fulani and Northerners in Ilorin. Buhari had retired from public service, but we brought him back to fight for justice,” Galadima stated.

He claimed the government at the time, under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were not responding decisively to the security situation, which led to northern leaders taking independent action.

Galadima added that Buhari’s involvement marked a major turning point that halted the OPC’s plans and prevented a potential ethnic crisis in the region.

The revelation has stirred fresh debate about the origins of Buhari’s political career and the ethnic and regional dynamics that have long shaped Nigeria’s political landscape.

Muhammadu Buhari, a former military Head of State (1983–1985), formally entered politics in 2003 when he contested the presidency under the platform of the now-defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He later became president in 2015 after winning under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buba Galadima, once a close ally of Buhari, is currently a leading member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and an outspoken critic of the APC-led administration.