A new political movement, The Alternative, aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, was launched yesterday in Jos, Plateau State.
The movement seeks to empower citizens and provide a platform for genuine representation.
At the North Central Zone National Opposition Movement town hall meeting, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, expressed dissatisfaction with the current political order. He argued that Nigerians are eager for a change and deserve an alternative platform to pursue their aspirations, especially in the upcoming presidential election.
Sowunmi criticized Nigeria’s political system for being riddled with corruption and self-serving leadership, calling for stronger laws and accountability measures to curb political misconduct. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s political structures, including the government, opposition parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the judiciary.
The former PDP candidate urged citizens to embrace their civic responsibilities, particularly voting, while condemning the issues of voter apathy and vote-buying. “Democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in governance rather than leaving power in the hands of a select few,” he said.
Sowunmi outlined the goals of The Alternative, emphasizing its mission to inspire citizens to take charge of the political process by building grassroots structures and supporting candidates who prioritize the public’s interests. He described the movement as a collective effort to ensure democracy works for all Nigerians, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
“The political system has failed to serve the people effectively,” he said, stressing the importance of rejecting corrupt practices and demanding transparency from leaders. He called on citizens to unite in the fight for better governance and dispel the notion that politics is reserved for an elite minority.
Adai Edwin Adai, chairman of the North Central Zone National Opposition Movement, also addressed the gathering. He lamented the decline of democratic values in Nigeria over the past 27 years, citing INEC’s role in election irregularities and the judiciary’s loss of independence. Adai highlighted recent cases of vote-buying and rigging during off-season elections in Edo and Ondo states as examples of systemic failure.
Adai further criticized the economic mismanagement under the current administration, pointing to rising unemployment, business closures due to high taxation, and the declining standard of living. He warned that Nigeria is drifting toward authoritarianism under the APC-led government, which he accused of stifling opposition and centralizing power.
Both leaders underscored the urgency for citizens to reclaim their role in governance by advocating for change, rejecting corruption, and holding leaders accountable. They called on Nigerians to join The Alternative in its mission to build a fairer and more inclusive political system.
Sowunmi reiterated that the movement aims to identify and support quality candidates at the grassroots level, empowering citizens to prioritize their interests over entrenched political parties. Adai concluded by highlighting the critical need for systemic reforms to address issues of inequality, poor healthcare, child mortality, and access to education.
The launch of The Alternative represents a bold step toward challenging the status quo and reshaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
