In a move address Nigeria’s growing democratic challenges, Otunba Segun Showunmi, convener of the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), “The Alternative,” a platform aimed at fostering grassroots consensus for the selection of future leaders.
Speaking at the North West Regional Town Hall meeting in Kano State on Thursday, the former Ogun State governorship aspirant highlighted the need to reorient democracy and empower ordinary Nigerians to take charge of the nation’s political destiny.
Showunmi’s address resonated with themes of reformation, inclusivity, and the urgent need to refocus the political discourse from tribal and religious sentiments to national interest and service delivery. He criticized the current political recruitment processes, describing them as a “cult of human personality” rather than ideologically driven systems.
According to him, the absence of clear ideological distinctions among political parties has eroded public trust and allowed the nation’s democracy to falter. Showunmi lamented the growing disillusionment among Nigerians, noting that citizens are increasingly dissatisfied with governance.
“Instead of political parties championing ideologies, they are now built around individuals. This has created instability, as any issue affecting a leader now affects the entire party,” he said.
He further explained how past political systems in Nigeria, such as those led by Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and others, were founded on clear ideological principles, unlike the current era where parties and candidates are indistinguishable.He also warned against the tribal and religious divides dominating political conversations, emphasizing that the focus should be on addressing fundamental issues such as poverty, inflation, unemployment, and the role of government in serving the people. “Our democracy is in danger of being reduced to a conversation about tribe and religion, rather than tackling the national questions of service, governance, and the duty of government to its people,” he said.
Showunmi unveiled “The Alternative” as a nationwide movement aimed at reclaiming democracy and empowering citizens to take charge of the electoral process. The movement will engage citizens through town hall meetings, focus groups, and dialogue sessions to identify a consensus candidate for the presidency. This candidate will be presented to a political party for onward campaigns, ensuring they emerge as the people’s choice.
“This movement is not about forming another political party or creating a messiah figure,” Showunmi explained. “It’s about citizens coming together to decide what they truly want and working collectively to ensure their voices are heard. The best among us must step forward to lead the rest of us.”
The NOMC has already held similar town hall meetings in Jos, Bauchi, and Kano as part of its efforts to galvanize support and domesticate the ideals of “The Alternative.” The movement was first launched on November 25, 2024, in Abuja, with the goal of reviving Nigeria’s democracy and preventing the country from becoming a failed state.Showunmi decried the influence of money in Nigerian politics, accusing “moneybag politicians” of suppressing democracy and exploiting citizens’ economic hardships for electoral gain. He cited instances of vote-buying, where citizens sell their votes for items as trivial as noodles, salt, or meager sums of money.
“Imagine people given the power to decide the fate of their leaders, selling it for a plate of spaghetti or N1,000. That cannot be right,” he said.
He warned Nigerians to be vigilant and reject politicians who use their wealth to manipulate elections, stressing that democracy must serve the people, not the elites.
“We are here to reorient citizens, reminding them that democracy belongs to them. They must internalize it, protect it, and use it to secure their future,” he said.
The town hall meeting featured contributions from prominent stakeholders who echoed Showunmi’s call for change. Hon. Jafaar Sani Bello, a former governorship aspirant in Kano, emphasized the need to move beyond tribal and religious sentiments in leadership selection.
“Leadership is not about religion or ethnicity; it’s about serving the people. Nigerians must elect leaders who prioritize the collective good,” he said.
Hajiya Khadija Dahiru, a prominent women’s advocate, urged women to actively participate in the electoral process and ensure their votes count. “Women must take their rightful place in shaping the future of this nation. Our votes must matter,” she said.
Hon. Aminu Ashiru Kwalam from Jigawa State also stressed the importance of citizens consciously selecting competent leaders.
“The people must become the deciders of the leadership they deserve. This requires deliberate effort and vigilance to ensure their votes truly count,” he said.
Saidu Bello, National Coordinator of Atiku Abubakar’s Forum, highlighted the need for political education among the youth, urging them to study Nigeria’s history to make informed decisions in future elections.
In his closing remarks, Showunmi reiterated the urgency of reclaiming democracy and bridging the gap between the government and the governed. He urged Nigerians to embrace “The Alternative” as a platform for dialogue, consensus-building, and change.
“This is about all of us. It’s not about one individual or group. Together, we must ensure that our democracy works for everyone,” he said.
As preparations for the 2027 elections begin, “The Alternative” offers a new hope for Nigeria’s democracy, placing the power of leadership selection firmly in the hands of the people. Whether this ambitious movement can achieve its goals remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly sparked a crucial conversation about the future of governance in Nigeria.
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