Buba Galadima: Tinubu Boasts Support of Nearly 35 Governors for 2027 Race

Buba Galadima, a prominent figure within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), recently asserted that President Bola Tinubu has secured the allegiance of approximately 34.5 out of the nation’s 36 state governors. The NDC chieftain further disclosed that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, chose not to join the NDC in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Galadima made these pronouncements during the launch of the NDC’s reconciliation committee on Friday.

According to him, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, stands as the sole governor not firmly aligned with President Tinubu’s political fold. Galadima characterized Abia State Governor Alex Otti, a member of the Labour Party, as being in sync with the President, while labeling Bala Mohammed as the 'half' governor. He explained that Mohammed had received counsel against defecting to a party boasting a formidable presidential candidate, suggesting that the Bauchi governor remained 'on the fence' and might collaborate with either the NDC or President Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buba Galadima was quoted saying, “President Tinubu has 34 and a half governors. The only governor that is not with him is Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Alex Otti of Abia State is there. Forget about that. The half is Governor Bala Mohammed. We met with him until 3am, and he was supposed to defect the next day, but he called us in the morning saying he has changed his mind because he was advised not to move to a party with a strong presidential candidate. Bala Mohammed is on the fence. He may work with us, or he may work with President Tinubu.”

This assertion by Galadima emerges amidst significant political realignments across the country, where the APC has solidified its dominance, now controlling 31 out of Nigeria's 36 gubernatorial seats. This expansion is largely due to several high-profile defections, including former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors such as Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa). Additionally, Abba Yusuf of Kano State moved from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Even among the few opposition governors remaining, some have openly thrown their weight behind President Tinubu’s potential 2027 re-election campaign. Notable examples include Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo (APGA), who has consistently expressed support for the President, viewing APGA and APC as ideologically aligned. Similarly, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke (Accord) has publicly endorsed Tinubu, referring to him as “our own son, father and leader.” Governor Mohammed, who previously left the PDP in May 2026 to join the Allied Peoples Movement following the collapse of power-sharing negotiations with the APC, is still counted among the limited number of governors not affiliated with the ruling party.