Professor Pat Utomi, leader of the Big Tent of the Nigeria Citizens’ Front (NCFront) and the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has announced plans to help unite Nigeria’s fragmented opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Utomi said he would work towards the emergence of a single opposition candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), while making it clear that he would not contest the presidential election himself.
Speaking at a briefing on the state of the nation and the 2027 elections in Lagos on Wednesday, the former presidential candidate expressed concern over rising poverty, insecurity and what he described as the weakening of democratic institutions.
UTOMI WARNS OF GROWING PUBLIC ANGER
Utomi warned that Nigeria could be heading towards what he termed the “revenge of the poor”, citing increasing hardship, hunger and frustration among citizens.
He said the scale of poverty remained alarming, while insecurity continued to affect communities across the country.
According to him, the growing disconnect between political leaders and ordinary Nigerians was particularly troubling, as politicians continued to enjoy privileges while citizens struggled with worsening economic conditions.
Utomi called on Nigerians, civil society groups and democratic forces to demand greater accountability and resist what he described as injustice, oppression and abuse of power.
He also referenced recent elections, including the Osun governorship election, as an indication of the need for citizens and civil society organisations to remain actively involved in monitoring electoral processes.
He said the Big Tent would promote transparent elections by strengthening voter mobilisation and monitoring activities, including efforts to ensure that polling processes are properly documented.
GROUP SEEKS STRONGER OPPOSITION COALITION
The Convener of the Movement for Credible Elections, Veteran Wale Okunniyi, said the organisation had begun working to strengthen the capacity of opposition political parties ahead of 2027.
Okunniyi warned that Nigeria’s current political situation could move beyond one-party dominance towards what he described as “one-man rule”, which he said would pose a serious danger to democratic governance.
He argued that excessive concentration of political power could weaken democratic institutions and reduce effective checks and balances.
Okunniyi said the MCE would therefore work with opposition parties and other democratic groups to build a common platform capable of presenting a credible alternative to the ruling APC.
He said bringing the opposition together would help reduce fragmentation and strengthen democratic competition ahead of the 2027 election.
CALL FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RESTRUCTURING
Okunniyi also renewed calls for constitutional restructuring, arguing that Nigeria’s current system places too much power in the hands of the central government.
He maintained that restructuring was necessary to create a stronger federal system and reduce excessive concentration of authority at the centre.
According to him, unchecked political power could become dangerous to democracy, making institutional reforms and stronger checks and balances necessary.
The groups said they would continue to campaign for democratic and constitutional reforms while encouraging greater citizen participation in governance.
Okunniyi stressed that even the ruling party would benefit from having a strong opposition capable of providing constructive scrutiny and holding government accountable.
Utomi, meanwhile, reiterated that he would not seek elective office in 2027, saying his focus would instead be on building opposition cooperation, mobilising citizens and supporting efforts to produce a credible alternative to the ruling party.
