2027: Nigeria Risks Democratic Embarrassment If Oppositions Do Not Unite – Sowunmi
Raymond Osho
A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party and convener of the Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi, has raised concerns over what he described as a looming democratic crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Showunmi warned that Nigeria risks embarrassing itself before the community of nations if opposition forces fail to organise effectively.
Showunmi spoke in Abeokuta on Friday while receiving members of the Action Alliance and the Labour Party, who paid him a solidarity visit and expressed interest in working with him ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Addressing the gathering from a national perspective, Showunmi disclosed that several political parties had approached him to serve as their governorship candidate, but maintained that he remains a committed member of the PDP.
He noted that the spate of litigations involving opposition parties presents a troubling picture for Nigeria’s democracy.
Sowunmi said “This is about a political movement and the call from several parties asking me to become their leadership candidate. Labour, NDP, ADP, AA, and the Good Party have all expressed interest. You know this.
“I have been a long-standing member of the People’s Democratic Party in Nigeria, and I remain a full member. I am currently in Berlin, but my political commitment remains intact. Almost all the opposition parties are in court over one matter or another. Even regulatory agencies are in court.
“To the best of my knowledge, the APC is not. That reality creates a democratic challenge for our country: how do we navigate 2027 without embarrassing ourselves before the community of nations? You cannot claim to practice democracy and allow a situation where only the ruling party appears on the ballot. There must be a viable political context,’ he added.
The PDP stalwart stressed that under the amended Electoral Act, independent-style candidacies are not permissible, insisting that credible political platforms must be built through structure and coalition.
“Under the existing laws, including the amended Electoral Act, you cannot simply run on an appended candidacy. You must operate within a political party structure.
“Rather than sitting down and wishing a coalition into existence, I have worked hard to encourage opposition parties to come together, fuse strategically, and approach 2027 intelligently. That is the heavy lifting required to counter authoritarian tendencies”
He urged Nigerians to move beyond complaints and actively engage in party politics and grassroots mobilisation.
He said “We must return to our families and communities and tell ourselves the truth: it is irresponsible to complain constantly while refusing to participate. Join parties. Vote. Engage. Out of 220 million people, we allow a handful to determine leadership because the majority stays home. That is why alternatives must be built.”
Also speaking, the Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Abayomi Arabambi worried that the attitude of some opposition parties shows lack of preparedness for the 2027 poll.
He said the opposition, despite demanding amendment to the Electoral Act, are not showing signs of readiness for the task ahead.
Arabambi disclosed “Some opposition figures are not preparing seriously for 2027. They demanded amendments to the Electoral Act, including electronic transmission, yet now complain about implementation.
“If you are truly democratic, allow party members to choose candidates freely.
Elections are open to all. If you are not prepared, step aside. Do not manufacture excuses or attempt to delegitimize the process in advance.”
