A former Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Sowunmi has cautioned Politicians to stop taking Nigerians for granted, asking for how long will citizens suffer in the hands of old politicians who do not mean well for the country....TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT | TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT
Showunmi said to change the narrative, a platform tagged “The Alternative” was unveiled to address the deceptive political situation in the country even as the 2027 political year gets closer.
Domesticating the platform in Jos on Thursday, Showunmi who is the national coordinator, said the Alternative will galvanize the north central region to choose wisely in subsequent elections.
He said though the Alternative is not a political platform, it will mobilize and sensitive electorates to look for leaders devoid of religious and ethnic affiliations to salvage the country from economic woes and return it to the glory of what the founding fathers had envisaged.
The event tagged the North Central Zone National Opposition Movement Town Hall Meeting, exposed the decay in the country’s democracy, occasioned by godfatherism and weak electoral system glorified by the corrupt Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Nigerians are tired of the old order and are desirous of having an alternative platform to realise their future political aspirations”, he said.
According to him: “The concept of an alternative platform is aimed at identifying and supporting quality candidates at the local level. This platform seeks to empower citizens to choose leaders who genuinely represent their interests, rather than relying on established political parties that may prioritize their own interests.
“The current state of democracy in Nigeria empowers political leaders to often act in self-interest, leading to corruption and a lack of accountability.
“This has emboldened the Alternative to call for stronger laws and severe consequences for political misconduct”, he said.
Sowunmi emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive review of the political system in Nigeria, including government, opposition parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the judiciary.
He also called for the re-education and sensitization of the electorate regarding their civic responsibilities, particularly voting.
He said, “There is concern about low voter turnout and the willingness of some citizens to sell their votes. In a democracy, every citizen should actively participate in the political process rather than allowing power to be concentrated among a few.
“The movement aims to empower citizens to take control of the political landscape, encouraging them to build their own structures and support candidates who align with their needs and values.
“The establishment of an alternative platform is a strategic move to empower citizens to select and support candidates who genuinely represent their interests, thereby fostering a more inclusive and effective political environment.
“It’s therefore a collective responsibility of all citizens to participate in shaping their governance, ensuring that democracy serves everyone rather than a privileged few”, he said.
Earlier, the Chairman, North Central Zone National Opposition Movement, Adai Edwin Adai, said that for the past 27 years that Nigeria transmuted from one civilian government to another, citizens have watched with bewilderment how “our democratic values and practices wane with brazen irregularities and inadequacy in election management.
“INEC, who are supposed to be an independent umpire, has metamorphosed into an election rigging institution.”
He mentioned the recent off season elections in Edo and Ondo states that witnessed massive rigging and vote buying.
Adai expressed regret that the Nigerian judiciary has transformed itself into an appendage of the executive organ of government, literally presenting itself like one of the many federal agencies directly under the command of the President.
“There is a lack of transparency and accountability in the management process of government businesses.
“The Nigerian Parliament has precisely become extremely passive and dogmatic in their approach in carrying out their constitutional mandate of holding the executive responsible for their anti-people policy.
“The Nigerian Economy is gradually nose-diving thereby creating massive unemployment, businesses are shutting down because of multiple taxation and high cost of doing business and the standard of living in our dear country Nigeria.
“There is massive corruption in the system, there is increasing inequality and marginalisation on how resources are generated and wealth distributed. Today, it is extremely sad and unfortunate that the Nigerian populist cannot afford three square meals, the number of out of school children is increasingly alarming beyond measures in the last 9 years of the APC administration.
“Access to basic primary health care in the rural area is grossly limited and insufficient. Child mortality rate is also on the increase.
Essentially, with the attitude of the current APC administration, Nigeria is gradually migrating to an autocratic or totalitarian regime, the APC led government is gradually moving Nigeria into a one party state due to her unnecessary interference and lack of tolerance to criticism and opposition”, he said.
In his remark, the former Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. George Daika, said the formation of the movement is apt and necessary considering the decadence in politics in Nigeria, adding that there is the need for sensitisation and further political enlightenment of the citizenry.
“Even though I am a member of the PDP and a political appointee of Governor Mutfwang, what this movement stands for is germane, and what you have come to discuss is a national issue. If those at the top get it right, those at the grassroots will follow without much ado. It will definitely trickle down.
He charged the youths in the country to be agents of change and be positive in their approach toward the development of Nigeria.
