Otunba Segun Showunmi, a former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, has launched the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), also known as “The Alternative.”
The initiative, which is affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeks to rejuvenate Nigeria’s democracy through education, advocacy, and active civic engagement.
In his address, Showunmi clarified that the movement is not intended to become a political party but will operate as a civic platform.
The primary goal is to inform citizens about the impact of democracy and electoral outcomes on their daily lives.
Showunmi expressed concern over the growing apathy among Nigerians, citing the decline in voter participation and the loss of ideological differences between political parties.
He pointed out that the electoral process has become more focused on personalities than on core values and principles.
To engage citizens and build grassroots support, the movement will organize town hall meetings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, starting in North Central and concluding in the South West by February 2025.
Showunmi stated, “We’ve witnessed a steady decline in citizen engagement, with each election seeing a drop in voter turnout. This decline has led to a regression in our democratic processes, as party ideologies fade, and elections become centered on individual personalities instead of principles. This is now dangerously evolving into a system where money, rather than integrity, drives elections.”
He further criticized the electoral body, INEC, for its failure to improve the integrity of elections, despite making changes to its guidelines.
He said, “Despite INEC’s reforms, there is still a noticeable lack of transparency in the electoral process. The need for a movement to restore integrity and address the erosion of democratic principles has never been more urgent.”
Showunmi also emphasized the growing irrelevance of opposition parties and their inability to effectively challenge the ruling government.
“There is a severe lack of viable opposition, and those in opposition positions are failing to confront the challenges facing the nation. This movement is vital to fill that gap.”
As part of its outreach, the movement will focus on educating Nigerians about the detrimental effects of vote trading and the importance of safeguarding the integrity of elections.
Showunmi condemned the practice of vote trading, promising that the movement would actively work to eliminate it.
“We will dedicate our resources to educating the public on how electoral outcomes affect them, and to stop the disgraceful practice of vote trading”.
“Nigeria deserves leaders who respect democratic values, not those who manipulate the system for personal gain.” he said.
The movement plans to engage political actors, civil society groups, and citizens at all levels, from the local to the national stage.
Through this platform, Showunmi aims to build a robust opposition that can effectively address Nigeria’s political and social challenges.
“We know the road ahead will not be easy, but we are committed to this cause. Our task is clear: we must work towards a more transparent, accountable democracy, and we will do so by engaging Nigerians at every level through town halls and other outreach efforts.”
The movement is determined to steer Nigeria away from chaos and manipulation, offering an alternative to the current political establishment and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.
