Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and National Coordinator of The Alternative Movement, has dismissed the newly formed coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a product of self-serving ambition. He argued that the coalition lacks the vision and capacity to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the Southwest Townhall meeting of The Alternative Movement in Abeokuta on Thursday, Showunmi urged Nigerians not to waste their attention on what he described as a group driven by personal political desires rather than national interest.
“Look at those calling themselves a coalition—individuals who, at every election season, must force themselves into the spotlight. The holy books are clear: what God has not given you, man cannot,” Showunmi stated.
He criticized the coalition’s leadership, which includes former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, for abandoning their parties and joining the ADC without genuine reform intentions.
“The ADC has existed for a while, and some of our people were there. Now these individuals have abandoned their former parties—many of which they helped destroy—and have jumped into a new one, bringing along their disruptive politics,” he said.
Power Rotation Must Be Respected
Showunmi also reminded Nigerians of the informal power rotation between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
“When the presidency resides in the north for eight years, it returns to the south for another eight. We don’t support a scenario where a Yoruba president serves four years, and then another Yoruba figure allies with others to push for a 12-year stretch. That’s unacceptable,” he emphasized.
He argued that the current administration, having only completed two years, deserves the space to govern without undue political distractions.
“I criticise when necessary, but I also believe leaders deserve peace of mind to govern. Let Tinubu complete his term. By the third year, we’ll reassess and decide. But it’s clear this coalition isn’t the answer.”
Plans for National Tour and Political Direction
Showunmi announced plans to embark on a tour of Nigeria’s 36 states within the next three months to engage with citizens and assess the national mood. He said this effort is part of The Alternative Movement’s agenda to promote civic engagement and national reorientation.
“Our people must overcome voter apathy, reject vote-buying, and participate actively in the electoral process. That is how we’ll change our country,” he noted.
Arabambi: Coalition Leaders Are Failed Politicians
Speaking at the event, Abayomi Arabambi, National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, echoed Showunmi’s sentiments. He described the coalition’s leaders as “recycled failures” trying to rebrand themselves as reformers.
“This administration inherited an economy on life support, a security system in shambles, and decades of decaying infrastructure. Now, those responsible for this mess are returning with new promises. Only in Nigeria does this happen,” Arabambi said.
While affirming The Alternative Movement’s support for coalition politics, he emphasized the need for “genuine, progressive alliances” rather than what he called “a coalition of failures.”
“We do not oppose coalitions. But we reject the repackaging of political failures as saviors. Nigerians must wake up and reject this deception.”
