Pat Utomi: Buba Galadima and I Have Been Political Rivals for 50 Years, Yet We Remain Friends

Former presidential candidate Pat Utomi has revealed that despite spending nearly five decades on opposing sides of political battles with Buba Galadima, the two have maintained a strong friendship, describing their relationship as proof that political differences do not have to become personal.

Utomi made the remark in Abuja during the inauguration of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) National Reconciliation Committee, established to resolve internal disputes and reunite aggrieved members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The political economist, who was named chairman of the 23-member committee, said he was honoured by the responsibility and confident that the party could overcome its internal divisions.

“I feel humble and challenged by this assignment. I’m extremely privileged to be in the company I’m in.

“Buba Galadima and I have been fighting for 50 years, and we are still very good friends. So it means that we can equally make other people become friends.

“It’s a privilege to be able to work with such people, which shows that it is possible for us to truly get this thing done for everybody to see the future.”

Utomi said the committee’s mission is to heal divisions arising from the party’s congresses, convention and primary elections, while ensuring members unite ahead of the 2027 electoral contest.

He also stressed that the NDC is positioning itself as a party focused on Nigeria’s younger generation, noting that the country’s youthful population should shape its political direction.

“One of the things we have agreed on is that the NDC is a party of the future focused on the young people of this country. The median age of our country is 19.5 years,” he said.

The NDC formally inaugurated the 23-member National Reconciliation Committee in Abuja on August 6, 2026, as part of efforts to resolve lingering grievances, address post-primary disputes and strengthen party unity before campaigns begin.

Utomi will lead the committee as chairman, while veteran politician Buba Galadima serves as co-chairman. Together, they have been tasked with mediating disputes, reconciling aggrieved members and building a united platform ahead of the 2027 elections.