Former presidential candidate and political economist Pat Utomi has disclosed that he and veteran politician Buba Galadima have disagreed on political issues for nearly five decades but have remained close friends despite their differences.
Utomi made the remark in Abuja during the inauguration of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) National Reconciliation Committee, established to resolve internal disputes arising from the party’s congresses, convention and primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, Utomi expressed optimism that the committee would succeed in healing divisions within the party and restoring unity before the election season.
Reflecting on his relationship with Galadima, Utomi described him as a long-time friend, noting that although they have often found themselves on opposing sides of political debates over the past 50 years, their friendship has endured.
“We have been fighting for about 50 years, yet we have remained friends. That shows it is possible to disagree without becoming enemies, and it gives me confidence that we can help reconcile others,” he said.
Utomi described the assignment before the committee as a critical one and thanked the party leadership for entrusting him and Galadima with the responsibility of rebuilding unity within the NDC.
He also stressed the need for the party to focus on Nigeria’s youthful population, noting that the country’s median age of about 19.5 years presents both a challenge and an opportunity for political renewal.
According to him, meaningful engagement with young Nigerians will be essential to the party’s success in the 2027 elections.
The NDC has been grappling with internal disagreements following its congresses and primary elections, prompting the establishment of the 23-member National Reconciliation Committee on August 6, 2026.
The committee, chaired by Pat Utomi with Buba Galadima serving as co-chairman, has been tasked with resolving disputes, reconciling aggrieved members and strengthening party unity ahead of the 2027 campaign period.
Party leaders expressed confidence that the reconciliation process would position the NDC for a more united and competitive outing in the next general election.
