“Judiciary, Legislature Now Servants of the Executive” — Buba Galadima

Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has raised concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, saying the real problem lies not with the Constitution but with the attitudes of those entrusted with its implementation. Speaking during an interview with Arise TV, Galadima said the 1999 Constitution does not need an amendment, stressing that the focus should instead be on reforming the behaviour of those in power.

According to him, the principle of separation of powers has collapsed, with the judiciary and legislature now reduced to subordinates of the executive. He lamented that despite constitutional provisions ensuring checks and balances, those entrusted with power have failed to uphold their responsibilities, making all arms of government dependent on the whims of the executive.

Galadima also strongly opposed the proposed creation of state police, warning that it could undermine democracy. Citing his decades-long stance against state police at various national conferences, he warned that while it might seem practical now, it would become dangerous and irreversible once enshrined in the Constitution. He argued that giving state governors control over police would be catastrophic for democratic governance.

He dismissed the idea of creating new states, accusing some lawmakers of pushing for it as a means to access more federal resources. Instead of redrawing Nigeria’s administrative structure, Galadima urged leaders to focus on using platforms like the National Orientation Agency to promote better governance attitudes among citizens and officials.

On electoral reform, the NNPP stalwart said what Nigeria urgently needs is not a constitutional amendment but a genuine reform that ensures the votes of the people count. He urged politicians across all parties to unite in pursuit of credible elections. Galadima stressed that existing electoral laws are sufficient if properly enforced, and that the real failure lies with the judiciary, which, in his view, has not lived up to its responsibility to defend democratic principles.

Touching on local government autonomy, Galadima pointed to constitutional ambiguities introduced during the military era that have allowed state governors to control funds meant for local councils. He expressed support for direct funding of local governments and criticised the current structure that allows state governors to dominate that tier of governance. He said empowering local councils is vital for grassroots development, particularly in areas historically marginalised from state leadership.

Galadima concluded that only a few adjustments to financial laws are necessary to strengthen local government autonomy and electoral integrity, but warned again that until Nigeria experiences a collective change in attitude—especially within the judiciary—legal reforms alone will remain ineffective.