In a bold move to address Nigeria’s democratic challenges, Otunba Segun Showunmi, convener of the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC) and leader of “The Alternative,” has called for a grassroots-driven approach to leadership selection. Speaking at the North West Regional Town Hall meeting in Kano State, the former Ogun State governorship aspirant stressed the urgent need to reorient democracy, empower citizens, and refocus the nation’s political discourse on service delivery and national unity.
Showunmi lamented the erosion of ideological foundations in Nigerian politics, describing the current political recruitment process as a “cult of human personality.” He criticized the lack of clear ideological distinctions among political parties, which he said has led to disillusionment and instability. “Our democracy has been reduced to parties centered around individuals, not ideas. This creates fragility, as any issue affecting the leader destabilizes the entire system,” he said.
Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, Showunmi highlighted the ideological clarity of past leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo, contrasting it with today’s tribal and religious divides. He warned that the fixation on ethnicity and religion is distracting from addressing critical issues such as poverty, inflation, unemployment, and governance. “Our democracy must transcend tribe and religion. It must be about service, governance, and ensuring that government works for the people,” he stated.
“The Alternative”: A Movement for Change
Showunmi unveiled “The Alternative” as a citizen-led movement designed to reclaim democracy and empower Nigerians to take charge of the electoral process. Through town hall meetings, focus groups, and dialogue sessions, the movement aims to build a consensus for selecting a presidential candidate who represents the people’s interests. This candidate, he explained, will not be a product of money or patronage but of genuine public engagement and trust.
“This is not about forming another party or creating a messiah,” he clarified. “It’s about citizens deciding their future and ensuring that the best among us lead the rest of us.”
The Fight Against Vote-Buying
Showunmi also decried the role of money in Nigerian politics, accusing “moneybag politicians” of exploiting the economic hardships of citizens. He criticized the practice of vote-buying, where citizens trade their votes for trivial items or meager sums. “It is heartbreaking to see people sell their future for a plate of spaghetti or N1,000. We must reject this,” he urged.
He called on Nigerians to reject political manipulation and instead demand accountability and service-oriented governance. “Democracy belongs to the people, and they must protect it,” he said.
Stakeholders Join the Call for Reorientation
The town hall meeting featured contributions from stakeholders across the region. Hon. Jafaar Sani Bello, a former Kano governorship aspirant, emphasized the need to move beyond tribal and religious sentiments in leadership selection. Hajiya Khadija Dahiru, a women’s advocate, called for greater female participation in the electoral process, while Hon. Aminu Ashiru Kwalam from Jigawa State urged citizens to consciously select competent leaders.
Saidu Bello, National Coordinator of Atiku Abubakar’s Forum, highlighted the importance of political education for the youth, urging them to learn from Nigeria’s past to make informed choices in the future.
A Vision for 2027 and Beyond
In his closing remarks, Showunmi reiterated the urgency of reclaiming Nigeria’s democracy through dialogue, inclusivity, and consensus-building. “This is about all of us, not one individual or group. Together, we must ensure that democracy works for everyone,” he said.
As preparations for the 2027 elections begin, “The Alternative” offers a new approach to leadership selection, grounded in grassroots participation and collective decision-making. While the road ahead may be challenging, the movement has sparked a crucial conversation about the future of governance in Nigeria and the role of citizens in shaping it.