Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), says 34½ state governors are currently backing President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.

Galadima made the claim on Friday at the inauguration of the NDC’s national reconciliation committee.

According to him, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed remains undecided between the opposition coalition and the ruling camp, while Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has distanced himself from both sides.

“There are thirty-four and a half governors. The one who is not with him, visibly shown, is Seyi Makinde. The half is Bala Mohammed,” Galadima said.

He explained that Mohammed was counted as “half” because, after meeting with NDC stakeholders around 3am, the Bauchi governor later reversed his decision following advice against joining an opposition party with a strong presidential candidate.

“So, it means Bala Mohammed is on the fence. He may work with us; he may work with them. That’s why he’s half, as far as I’m concerned,” Galadima said.

He added that unlike the ruling party, which could offer political compensation to governors who step down for Tinubu, the opposition coalition could only appeal to their sense of patriotism and commitment to saving the country.