From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
The Alternative, a political movement aiming to secure political power in the 2027 general elections, was unveiled in Jos on Thursday.
The aims and objectives were outlined by Otunba Segun Sowunmi, a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State.
Speaking at the North Central Zone National Opposition Movement town hall meeting held at the Fox Hotel in Jos, Sowunmi said that Nigerians are tired of the old order and are eager for an alternative platform to realise their future political aspirations.
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.
He criticized the current state of democracy in Nigeria, where political leaders often act in self-interest, leading to corruption and a lack of accountability, and called for stronger laws and consequences for political misconduct.
Sowunmi emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s political system, including government, opposition parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the judiciary. He also called for the re-education and sensitisation 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 is therefore a collective responsibility of all citizens to participate in shaping their governance, ensuring that democracy serves everyone rather than a privileged few.”
The former PDP gubernatorial candidate urged citizens to unite in demanding better governance and to reject the notion that politics is only for a select few, stressing that the movement is framed as a liberation effort for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.
“The current political system in Nigeria has failed to serve the people effectively, necessitating a fundamental reevaluation and reform of how politics is conducted. For democracy to thrive, citizens must actively engage in the political process, both as voters and as advocates for change. This includes rejecting corrupt practices and demanding accountability from leaders.”
The Chairman of the North Central Zone, National Opposition Movement, Adai Edwin Adai, said that for the past 27 years, as Nigeria transited from one civilian government to another, citizens have watched with bewilderment how “our democratic values and practices have waned with brazen irregularities and inadequacies in election management. INEC, which is 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 into an appendage of the executive branch of government, literally presenting itself as one of the many federal agencies directly under the command of the President.
“There is a lack of transparency and accountability in the management of government businesses.”
“The Nigerian Parliament has become extremely passive and dogmatic in carrying out its constitutional mandate of holding the executive accountable for its anti-people policies.”
“The Nigerian economy is gradually nose-diving, creating massive unemployment, shutting down businesses due to multiple taxation and high costs of doing business, and causing the standard of living in our country to decline.”
“There is massive corruption in the system, increasing inequality, and marginalisation in how resources are generated and wealth distributed. Today, it is extremely sad and unfortunate that the Nigerian populace cannot afford three square meals, and the number of out-of-school children is alarmingly high after the last nine years of the APC administration.”
“Access to basic primary healthcare in rural areas is grossly limited and insufficient. Child mortality rates are also on the rise. Essentially, with the attitude of the current APC administration, Nigeria is gradually migrating towards an autocratic or totalitarian regime. The APC-led government is moving Nigeria into a one-party state due to its unnecessary interference and lack of tolerance for criticism and opposition.”
