From Okwe Obi, Abuja
A former spokesman to the 2023 presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, Segun Showunmi, has said his boss is yet to declare his intention ahead of the 2027 general election.
Showunmi, who addressed newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja, after the launch of a group, National Opposition Movement, said he asked Atiku twice about his intentions but he did not give him a definite answer.
He said: “Atiku has not told me if he is running. I have asked him two times. If I ask him one more time and he does not answer me, that is it.
“But the point I am making is that it is not about him (Atiku). Any man who has the mind to develop Nigeria, anyone who has the stamina for democracy is who I will support. I am saying it with clarity. It is not about anybody; it is about all of us. Are you happy the way things are?”
On the intention of the National Opposition Movement, he said: “The reason for the birth of this movement is the need to rescue our nation and democracy from the danger we see on the horizon.
“Respect for the principle of party supremacy is now at an all-time low. A viable opposition to checkmate the activities of the incumbent government is almost non-existent.
“There is an urgent need for a platform to engage political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, the political parties themselves, democratic institutions of other nations and all who can contribute to the wellness and sustainability of our democracy.
“We have created the ‘National Opposition Movement Coalition’. This has become necessary as it is obvious those who are elected members of the opposition have not shown the courage to take on the issues that affect the country and the well-being of the masses.
“We seek to engage Nigerians and offer guidance on the issues of opposition. We will embark on advocacy to educate the people on how democracy and electoral outcomes affect them. We shall spend our time and resources on the reorientation of citizens.
“We shall work towards eradicating the menace of trading in votes for a token. Consequences of the obnoxious practice of trading in votes will be explained through proper education and advocacy.
“Those who have continued to pilfer our common patrimony, stealing the country dry, and persons of questionable wealth cannot seize the reins of power and authority of our beloved nation under the guise of democracy.”
