Former presidential candidate and political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has revealed that his political disagreements with veteran politician Buba Galadima have lasted for about 50 years, despite their differences.
Utomi made the disclosure after the inauguration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, National Reconciliation Committee, which he chairs, to resolve grievances among party members ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Thursday, Utomi said his long-standing political differences with Galadima had not affected their friendship, describing their relationship as evidence that political disagreements can be overcome.
He expressed confidence that the reconciliation committee could unite aggrieved members and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Utomi said the NDC must focus on the future, particularly the country’s young population, rather than allowing internal disagreements to derail its political objectives.
He stressed the need for members to put aside personal differences and work towards building a political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s long-term challenges.
He said: “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.”
The committee’s co-chairman, Galadima, acknowledged that the reconciliation process would be challenging but expressed optimism that the panel would succeed.
“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 development comes as the NDC works to resolve disputes arising from its recent congresses, convention and primaries ahead of the 2027 elections
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