Atiku’s ex-spokesperson, Sowunmi launches opposition movement in Abuja

Former spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar campaign organisation, Segun Sowunmi, has unveiled a National Opposition Movement aimed at “saving Nigeria’s democracy.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain clarified that Atiku has not decided whether to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Sowunmi emphasized that the focus should not solely be on Atiku’s candidacy but on finding leaders with a vision and practical plans to develop Nigeria.

“After all, who would have argued that Tinubu, given his pedigree and what he has done, would be in the villa struggling if everything was taken away from him? That shows there’s more to leadership than just one individual. Atiku has not even told me he is running. I’ve asked him twice. I’ll ask him one more time, and if he doesn’t give an answer, that’s it,” Sowunmi stated during a press briefing on Monday.

He expressed concern over the erosion of ideological differences within political parties and lamented the increasing role of money in elections.

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“We have watched the electoral umpire, INEC, improve its guidelines and operational manual,” Sowunmi said. “Yet, rather than seeing improvements in election integrity, we are witnessing a progressive decline in transparency and credibility within the electoral process.”

Sowunmi also criticized the judiciary, describing the erosion of its integrity as “unacceptable and dangerous.” He argued that judicial institutions, which should provide balance and protect democracy, are increasingly compromised.

“We have seen a rise in the activities of thugs, non-state actors, and violence, all of which deepen the challenges facing our democracy,” he added.

Calling for action, Sowunmi urged political actors, stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, and political parties to work together to sustain Nigeria’s democracy.

“Those who continue to plunder our collective wealth and persons of questionable integrity must not be allowed to seize power under the guise of democracy,” he declared.

The proposed opposition movement, according to Sowunmi, will avoid chaos and focus on fostering stability and accountability in governance.

“Nigeria and its citizens cannot be manipulated into crisis by charlatans using deceptive buzzwords to incite mob action with devastating consequences,” he warned.

He concluded by announcing plans to host town hall meetings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to select leaders and recruit members for the movement.

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