A bold call for political change, Segun Shaunmi, former spokesperson for the defunct Atiku Abubakar Movement organization, advocated the formation of a national coalition to restore democracy to Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Shaunmi highlighted the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy since 1999 and praised achievements such as the transfer of power between political parties in 2015.
However, he highlighted a decline in political integrity and growing disillusionment among Nigerians with the country’s stalled democracy.
Shaunmi criticized the lack of ideological differentiation between political parties, saying elections were now centered around individuals and economic influence rather than values and principles.
He stressed that without collective efforts to address these issues, Nigeria risks falling further into electoral chaos and undemocratic practices.
Mr. Shaunmi, a former governorship aspirant of the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also expressed concern over the erosion of integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.
“We have watched with pain as the clear ideological differences within the party disappeared and people became more concerned about their individuality than their values and ideology,” the PDP leader said.
“Sadly, we are now dangerously evolving into free money, with the highest bidder stealing the voting rights of the voters of our beloved country.
“We have seen INEC, the election umpire, improve its guidelines and operational manual.
“But rather than improving election integrity, what we are seeing is an ongoing lack of integrity and transparency in the electoral process.
“Our nation’s judiciary is witnessing an unacceptable and dangerous erosion of the integrity of an institution that is supposed to maintain balance, keep government institutions in check, and protect the nation from complete collapse. has not been spared.
“We are seeing an increase in the activities and violence of violent criminals and other non-state actors, increasing the challenges to democracy.”
To address these issues, Mr. Shaunmi founded the iNational Opposition Movement Coalition, a platform that aims to unite stakeholders, civil society, academia, media and democratic institutions to protect Nigeria’s democracy. proposed the formation of
“There is an urgent need for a platform that engages political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, political parties themselves, democratic institutions in other countries, and all those who can contribute to the health and sustainability of our country,” he said. It is needed.” Democracy. We established the iNational Opposition Coalition.
“This has become necessary because it is clear that those elected to the Opposition have not shown the courage to address issues that affect the country and the well-being of the public.
“We do not aim to develop into a political party, but rather to involve Nigerians and provide guidance on issues of opposition.
“We will work to eradicate the threat of vote trading with tokens.
“The consequences of this disgusting act of vote buying and selling will be explained through proper education and advocacy.
“Those who have continued to steal our common heritage and drain our country, and those with dubious wealth, cannot seize the power and authority of our beloved people under the guise of democracy. Do not allow it to continue or endure.
“We are proposing a counter-movement that does not descend into chaos.”
