In recent developments, Segun Showunmi, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former aspirant for the governorship position in Ogun State, announced the formation of a national opposition coalition network during a press briefing in Abuja. This initiative, named the ‘National Opposition Movement Coalition’, has been initiated in response to concerns regarding the current state of democracy in Nigeria, particularly under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Showunmi argued that the existing opposition has weakened significantly, failing to provide effective checks against the government, which he claims has led to a deterioration of democratic principles.
Showunmi articulated his concerns regarding declining citizen enthusiasm toward elections, asserting that each successive election seems to yield poorer results in terms of voter engagement. He highlighted a troubling trend where ideological differences among political parties are diminishing, leading to elections predominantly influenced by individual personalities rather than substantial political values or ideologies. This shift is manifesting in a troubling ‘money-driven’ politics, where electoral outcomes may increasingly favor those who can afford to leverage financial incentives over genuine democratic engagement. His statements reflected a growing anxiety over the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made efforts to enhance its electoral guidelines.
The necessity for this movement arises from the perception that established opposition forces, including the PDP, have not effectively addressed pressing national issues or represented the interests of the populace. Showunmi emphasized the urgent requirement for a coherent platform to engage diverse stakeholders encompassing political actors, civil society, academia, and media. The coalition’s mandate is to foster discussions around democratic wellness and sustainability, in contrast to what has been perceived as an ineffective opposition to the ruling government. The coalition’s formation is seen as a response to the diminishing party supremacy and a call for revitalized engagement amongst citizens and political entities.
Despite its advocacy goals, Showunmi clarified that the coalition does not aspire to transition into a political party. Rather, it aims to educate the public on the implications of democracy and electoral outcomes, with a keen focus on eradicating the problematic practice of vote trading. He asserted that the coalition would work to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of disenfranchisement and engage in efforts to safeguard democracy from exploitation by individuals of dubious moral and financial standing who seek to influence electoral outcomes for their benefit.
The coalition plans to undertake significant advocacy initiatives aimed at restoring public faith in the electoral process and empowering citizens to resist manipulative tactics prevalent in Nigerian politics. Showunmi underscored the importance of educating the electorate on their rights and the importance of participating in a transparent electoral process devoid of coercion or monetary temptations. He expressed strong resolve in preventing the Shunning of democracy in favor of chaos characterized by mob actions incited by deceitful tactics often used by unscrupulous political players.
Taking these challenges into account, Showunmi affirmed that their ambitious objectives will require significant sacrifices, given the prevailing trust deficit in Nigeria’s political climate. The coalition intends to initiate zonal town hall meetings to engage with the public directly, thereby cultivating partnerships across various levels of governance, from state to local governments and even at the ward level. This grassroots approach is intended to reinvigorate civic engagement and reshape the political landscape to promote a more accountable and responsive democratic governance in Nigeria. The formation of the National Opposition Movement Coalition could potentially be a pivotal step towards revitalizing democracy and ensuring that citizen welfare remains a priority in the country’s governance.
