The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, called Buba Galadima, as their first witness in proving their petition challenging President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory at the February 23 poll.
Galadima, a spokesperson for the Atiku Campaign Organisation and former ally of Buhari, was reportedly arrested by the Department of State Service (DSS) and subsequently released some days after the February 23 poll.
RHe was called to the witness stand at the Monday’s proceedings of the President, after the petitioners, through their lawyer, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), tendered some result sheets in respect of four Local Government Areas of Kano State.
Led by the petitioners’ lawyer, Galadima adopted his witness statement on oath deposed to on March 18, 2019.
After the adoption, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through its lead counsel, Yunus Usman (SAN), began cross-examination.
Galadima denied the claim that he fell out with the President in 2015 because he was not appointed a minister.
Galadima said he fell out with Buhari because of alleged injustice in his administration, lack of inclusiveness and failure of the administration to secure Nigeria.
“You fell out with the 2nd respondent (Buhari) because he did not make you a minister in 2015,” Olanipekun asked.
Responding, Galadima said, “No. You should know that I fought all the previous governments since 1999 because of injustice.
“We made good promises to Nigerians, including justice, inclusiveness, and to secure the country, which he has failed to do.
“It has always been part of my characteristics to fight injustice.”
He confirmed that he had supported Buhari in the 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 election cycles until the 2019 election.
While being cross-examined by the All Progressives Congress’ lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the witness said he was aware that there is no registered party called the Reformed APC, but maintained that he was still the chairman of the group.
He, however, said he remained a member of the APC since he has “not been sacked”.
Galadima, a spokesperson for the Atiku Campaign Organisation, said, “I’m still a member of the APC. I have not been sacked. We are in court. I don’t want to be subjudice.
“I’m not a member of PDP, but we have a memorandum of understanding with the PDP to produce God-fearing, good and educated leader.”
PUNCH