A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Sowunmi, has disclosed the agenda of a new political force known as The Alternative.
Sowunmi noted that the force is in search of credible candidates in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Launched last week in Jos, this movement, he said, seeks to confront Nigeria’s traditional political framework.
Henzodaily reports that Sowunmi noted this during the North Central Zone National Opposition Movement town hall meeting at the Fox Hotel.
The former governorship candidate for the PDP in Ogun State articulated the group’s goals and emphasized that the Nigerian populace is disillusioned with the current political landscape and is searching for a credible alternative.
“The concept of this platform is to identify and support credible candidates at the grassroots level,” Sowunmi said.
He expressed his discontent with Nigeria’s democratic framework, characterizing it as plagued by corruption and self-serving leadership.
He advocated for the implementation of more stringent laws and penalties for political misconduct, while also calling for a thorough examination of the country’s governance systems, which should encompass opposition parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the judiciary.
He emphasized the necessity of re-educating the populace regarding their civic duties, particularly in relation to voting, stating, “Low voter turnout and vote-selling undermine democracy. Every citizen must actively participate in the political process rather than ceding power to a few individuals.”
He asserted that the movement aims to empower citizens to take greater control of the political environment by motivating them to establish their own frameworks and endorse candidates who reflect their values.
He referred to the initiative as a “liberation effort” for all Nigerians, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
Adai Edwin Adai, Chairman of the North Central Zone, National Opposition Movement, depicted a bleak scenario for Nigeria’s democratic condition, accusing INEC of evolving into an “election-rigging institution.”