Stakeholders seek credible opposition to restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy
03 January 2025 |
1:53 am
The North Central National Opposition Movement, known as the Alternative Platform, yesterday, in Jos, Plateau State, at a town hall meeting, said it would consider transforming into a full-fledged political party in the future.
The North Central National Opposition Movement, known as the Alternative Platform, yesterday, in Jos, Plateau State, at a town hall meeting, said it would consider transforming into a full-fledged political party in the future.
According to the movement, until that is done, they could not stand as a political party because it had not been registered as a political party. The founder of the group, Otunba Segun Showunmi, warned that nobody should take the electorate for granted.
Besides, he cautioned against tribalism and ethnicity in politics. “Mention the name of the political leader who has done something you feel is wrong. Don’t say the Northwest, the Northerner, the Central government, the Northwest or a Muslim or Christian has done this. Just mention the name of the person you believe has done what you don’t like,” he asserted.
Showunmi called for credible opposition to restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy, and strengthen the democratic process, emphasising the urgent need to counter-balance government activities and restore citizens’ faith in the nation’s government.
He lamented the erosion of electoral integrity, lack of ideological direction of political parties, and the declining voter confidence, stressing that Nigeria requires leaders who prioritise the interest of citizens over personal or partisan gains.
Talking about the movement, he stated: “The reason for the birth of this movement is the need to rescue our nation and democracy from the danger we see on the horizon.” Showunmi explained that the coalition is not a political party, but a civic platform aimed at engaging political actors, civil society and democratic institutions.
According to him, through advocacy and voter education, the movement seeks to combat vote trading, which he described as “a highest bidder heist” that undermines democratic values. He expressed concern over the regressive state of Nigeria’s political landscape, criticising the judiciary’s declining integrity, and the increasing influence of violence and non-state actors in elections.
The founder argued that elections have become less credible over the years despite improvements in guidelines by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Also speaking, the chairman of the movement in the North Central zone, Adai Edwin Adi, highlighted the need to strengthen democracy and promote civic responsibility among Nigerians. Describing the legislature as passive and dogmatic in holding the executive accountable for anti-people policies, he decried the lack of transparency and accountability in government.
He painted a grim picture of the nation’s economic state, pointing to massive unemployment, multiple taxation, and a high cost of doing business, criticising the rising inequality and marginalisation in wealth distribution. Adi emphasised the need for a collective effort to address the challenges.
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