By Bashir Aliyu Limanci
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Hajiya Fadima Ibrahim has commended Otunba Segun Showunmi for giving broader perspectives to citizen’s participation in politics and for also creating a virile and positive energy to achieve a united Nigeria that can birth a purposeful and meaningful future.
In a statement made available to Daily Review, the retired civil servant civil servant and successful businesswoman based in Kano (Fadima), added that one of the most virulent ills that Nigeria is facing today is corruption. She noted that unless Nigeria recognises the full extent to which corruption, abuse of office and all sorts of plunder of national resources were responsible for the country’s poverty, the country would not be able to develop to her full potential.
According to her, “The National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), known as “The Alternative,” which is calling for a change in political behavior to revive the nation’s democracy has fully come to stay. In my view, integrity and honesty are some of the most important qualities that our country needs in order to make progress. Why is Nigeria so poor a nation in the midst of such abundant resources? Why does our country make other nations rich by giving them resources which they transform into goods and services that we later pay high premium for?
“Ironically many of our people think politics is a dirty game with which they need not concern themselves. The only problem with this kind of reasoning is that it is this same dirty game that affects almost every aspect of our lives.
“This dirty game determines whether we have good hospitals or bad ones; it determines whether we have good schools for our children or bad ones; it also determines whether we drive on good roads or bad ones. In many ways, politics decides whether we have food to eat as citizens or none. The quality of politics determines the quality of our lives. It is therefore naïve to think that we can somehow insulate ourselves from this so-called dirty game for fear that if we participate or make our positions known on issues, we will be victimised.
“It is true that politics in a developing democracy like ours can be a very expensive adventure for those who participate in it. The system of winner-takes-all ensures that those who lose are punished by those who win. But this is so because many of our people have not yet begun to fully accept that politics is about them; politics is about their welfare. Any politics that ignores the people and their needs is not politics but crime.
“This is why we see the kind of politics in our country that are predicated on feeding the hungry vultures that participate to the exclusion of our people.
“This culture of indifference to the politics of our country breeds a fertile ground for corruption and abuse of office. Those who are brave enough to join this so-called dirty game feel entitled to reap the benefits of their adventure. But things need not be this way. We need to get to a time when it is not only those who are extraordinarily courageous or uncaringly criminal in their mentality that gets into politics. It must be a game played to benefit every citizen. I commend Otunba Segun Showunmi for his astuteness, doggedness and unalloyed patriotism to see the Nigeria of our dream to work and prosper in our life’s time.
“We must make sure that today’s politics in Nigeria is not rewarding for criminals to get into public office. To this end, it is good that institutions like Transparency International are pushing the agenda that makes it difficult for criminal politicians to continue stealing from their people with impunity. God bless the Showunmi for the NOMC initiative.
“This Showunmi’s brainchild will ultimately help citizens become more involved in reform processes. It will also encourage citizens to participate in governance and advocate for themselves, and will as well equip them to better influence institutions that serve public interests. I have no doubt as well that this will boost the participation of marginalized populations such as women, youth, and the disabled, and emphasizing the importance of their leadership and innovation.”
However, it would be recalled that Otunba Showunmi had in November 2024 during the launch of NOMC explained that NOMC is committed to eradicating the divisive attitudes that hamper Nigeria’s progress, especially during election cycles which are driven by self-serving interests.
He also cautioned that if these attitudes persist, Nigeria will continue to face economic stagnation and a history of poor governance.
Showunmi emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in political behavior to revive the nation’s democracy.
Launch of NOMC
Mr Showunmi officially launched the National Opposition Movement Coalition, on November 25, 2024.
The movement aims to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and reorientation that would lead to meaningful democratic change.
Mr Showunmi clarified that “The Alternative‘ is not just a political platform but a movement focused on educating Nigerians to move away from outdated political practices and embrace modern ideologies found in more developed countries.
“If the old guard continues to drag our country backward with their divide-and-rule tactics, ‘The Alternative’ will not hesitate to support credible candidates from any political party,” Mr Showunmi warned.
He stressed that the group’s mission is focused on issue based-politics needed to move the country forward.
“Our mission is clear. We are dedicated to redirecting Nigeria’s path for the sake of future generations. What legacy will we leave for our children if we fail to address the issues we face today?” he queried.
Reflecting on history, Mr. Showunmi noted that, past generations fought colonial powers and military rule for independence and democracy. He wondered what this generation can claim to be fighting for?
For ‘The Alternative’ to successfully guide Nigerians toward credible candidates in the upcoming 2027 elections, Showunmi stressed the importance of unity and active participation in the electoral process.
“The divisive mindset that prevents us from recognizing Nigeria as one must be dismantled. Our cultural and traditional similarities outweigh our differences. Even language, often seen as a barrier, is merely a tool for communication. We must reject division and embrace our unity as Nigerians,” Mr. Showunmi said.
Highlighting recent statistics, Showunmi said that “In 2023, out of 93 million registered voters, only 8 million cast their votes for the president. This glaring statistic underscores the need for Nigerians to fulfill their civic duties. Voter apathy, along with practices like vote buying and selling, undermines the very essence of democracy.”
Engaging Nigerians beyond politics
The PDP National Women leader Northern Awareness Forum, Mrs. Maimuna Ahmed commended the initiative. She emphasized the importance of engaging Nigerians beyond political affiliations.
“This isn’t just about partisan politics; it’s about amplifying the voices of all Nigerians,” Mrs. Ahmed said.
She encouraged the women to take part in nation-building initiatives by asserting their role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Former Gombe State House member, Mr. Usman Kafa, also stressed the need to address leadership and developmental challenges.
“We need to voice our concerns and advocate for better leadership that serves the people’s needs,” he said.
“This is not the time to trade votes for food. The North East must elevate its political discourse and push for leadership that prioritizes our communities. We must work together to enhance political awareness and national unity,” Mr. Kafa said.
The Bauchi State gathering was part of a series of zonal town hall meetings by the National Opposition Movement Coalition, aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
