Showunmi Calls for Urgent Opposition Movement to Challenge APC Government

Otunba Segun Showunmi, former spokesperson for the defunct Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, has called for the establishment of a robust political movement to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Showunmi emphasized the need to rejuvenate Nigeria’s democracy, citing the decline in electoral integrity and citizens’ enthusiasm since 1999, despite initial progress made with multi-party democracy.

He highlighted the peaceful transfer of power in 2015 as a milestone but lamented the growing voter apathy, which he attributed to worsening electoral processes.

“Enthusiasm has waned over the years, with each election proving worse than the previous,” he said. “We are witnessing a regression in voter turnout and a downward spiral in democratic engagement.”

Showunmi criticized the lack of ideological distinction between political parties, noting that elections have become more about personalities and financial influence rather than values and ideologies.

“It is evolving dangerously into a money-driven heist, where the highest bidder wins the suffrage of the electorate,” he stated.

He also expressed concerns about the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, accusing both institutions of failing to uphold integrity and transparency.

“Despite INEC’s improved guidelines and operational manuals, there has been a progressive lack of transparency in the electoral process,” he said.

“The judiciary, which should provide balance and checkmate governmental excesses, has suffered an erosion of integrity, endangering the democratic system.”

Showunmi decried the rise in violence, the activities of thugs, and other non-state actors, which he said are further threatening democracy in the country.

Launch of National Opposition Movement Coalition

To address these challenges, Showunmi announced the formation of the National Opposition Movement Coalition, a platform aimed at fostering engagement with political actors, civil society, academia, and the media to restore integrity to Nigeria’s democratic system.

“There is an urgent need for a platform to rescue the nation and democracy from the dangers we see on the horizon,” he said.

He explained that the coalition would focus on advocacy and education to combat vote trading and expose the consequences of such practices.

“This is not about forming another political party. We aim to guide Nigerians on issues of opposition and promote sustainable democracy,” he clarified.

Showunmi called for collective action to prevent individuals of questionable character and illicit wealth from hijacking Nigeria’s democracy.

“Those who have continued to pilfer our common patrimony cannot seize the reins of power under the guise of democracy.

This must not be allowed to persist,” he stated.

He assured that the proposed opposition movement would avoid inciting chaos while working to safeguard the nation’s democratic future.

“This movement seeks to restore hope and create a system that truly reflects the will of the people,” he concluded.