Otunba Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for the defunct Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, has emphasized the urgent need for a political movement to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Showunmi criticized the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s democracy and called for collective action to rescue the country.
Showunmi acknowledged the progress of opposition politics since 1999, including the peaceful transfer of power in 2015, but lamented the decline in electoral enthusiasm and integrity.
He pointed out that elections have increasingly become personality-driven rather than ideologically grounded, with money playing a dominant role in influencing outcomes.
“We have seen ideological differences within parties vanish, turning elections into a highest-bidder scenario. This, combined with a lack of transparency in the electoral process, poses a serious threat to our democracy,” he said.
He criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to translate improved guidelines into credible elections, adding that judicial institutions have also suffered a worrying erosion of integrity.
“There is an alarming increase in the activities of thugs and non-state actors during elections, further complicating our democratic processes,” he added.
To address these challenges, Showunmi proposed the creation of a National Opposition Movement Coalition to engage political actors, stakeholders, and civil society in a bid to strengthen democracy and restore public trust.
“We are not looking to evolve into a political party but to educate and guide Nigerians on the importance of a strong opposition. Advocacy and education will help eradicate vote trading and expose those looting the nation’s resources under the guise of democracy,” he explained.
Showunmi urged Nigerians to join this movement, which he stressed would remain non-chaotic and focused on promoting accountability, fairness, and transparency in governance.
The call for a united opposition comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, with growing concerns about the state of the nation’s democracy.
