Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Chief Promoter and National Coordinator of the Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has affirmed that the era of vote buying and divisive politics must come to an end for Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, who disclosed this in Imeko-Afon, Ogun State, during a farmers’ empowerment programme tagged: “Agbe Gbelu”, said the Alternative movement transcends political parties to foster a more engaged and responsible electorate.

Represented by Mr Adai Edwin, Showunmi said the movement aims to empower grassroots communities to independently choose trustworthy leaders who genuinely prioritise the people’s interests, rather than accepting imposed leaders, regardless of party affiliation.

“The message is very simple; we need to first of all reawaken the consciousness of Nigerians at the grassroots level. The era of vote buying, the era of politicians making promises and not delivering, the era of politics of bitterness, the era when our people are not coming out to vote, those eras are gone,” he said.

Sowunmi also expressed worry over voter apathy during elections in the country, noting that the movement has taken it upon itself to sensitise the electorate, to make them understand that the civic responsibility of every citizen is their right.

“On election day, the ability for you to wake up and cast your vote is actually what determines and makes you a true citizen of this country,” he said.

The Chairman of The Alternative in the Southwest, Olushola Salau, who was equally decorated as an ambassador to the Farmers Association, echoed the need for increased food production in the country.