By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The Convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, on Friday called for stronger adherence to party constitutions, deeper inter-party collaboration, and a revitalised opposition coalition, as he formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
Showunmi made the declaration while addressing members of the Ogun State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abeokuta, where he expressed concern over what he described as the weakening of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy despite the proliferation of political parties.
According to him, the structure of the political system has increasingly favoured the ruling party, while opposition parties remain fragmented and weakened by internal contradictions.
“In spite of the number of political parties in the country, only the ruling party appears structurally positioned to compete effectively,” he said.
He blamed much of the crisis within parties on poor internal governance and disregard for party constitutions, warning that such practices continue to erode democratic stability.
“These are largely self-inflicted challenges. Political parties create rules, but fail to follow them, only to resort to litigation and blame the courts for outcomes they initiated.”
He cautioned that the growing dependence on the judiciary to resolve internal party disputes poses a long-term risk to democratic development and public confidence in the political system.
Showunmi urged opposition stakeholders to consider strategic alliances where necessary, insisting that democracy must be driven by competition of ideas rather than imposition or predetermined outcomes.
“Democracy is not about coronation. It is about contest, ideas, and the people freely choosing,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political evolution, he referenced nationalist figures such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo, noting their contributions to the independence struggle and democratic foundation of the country.
He also recalled the collapse of the First Republic and the civil war, attributing them to political mismanagement and unresolved rivalries, as well as the prolonged military era that followed, which stalled democratic development between 1983 and 1999.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic journey since 1999, including the landmark 2015 transition of power, Showunmi warned that recent political developments suggest a gradual weakening of party structures and democratic competition.
Turning to Ogun State politics, he described the state as historically competitive and politically aware, citing the closely contested 2023 governorship election as evidence of an engaged electorate.
“As we approach 2027, the question before Ogun people is whether we will witness a coronation or a genuine democratic contest,” he said.
He also addressed the issue of zoning and equity among Ogun State’s three senatorial districts, noting that while the aspiration of Ogun West to produce the next governor is valid, it must be pursued within the context of open democratic competition.
“All zones have legitimate aspirations, but those aspirations must be tested through fair and open contest,” he added.
Formally declaring his ambition, Showunmi said his decision followed wide consultations and deep reflection, stressing the need for a broad-based coalition involving multiple political parties, including the Labour Party, NNPP, and African Action Congress among others.
“No single party can achieve the transformation we seek. Coalitions must be built from the grassroots, not imposed from above,” he said.
He further emphasised that governance should be anchored on planning, vision, and execution rather than patronage politics, noting that Ogun State stands at a critical crossroads in its development trajectory.
In a bid to deepen issue-based politics, he challenged all prospective governorship aspirants to a public debate focused strictly on development priorities for the state.
“I am not coming to rule, I am coming to serve,” he declared. “My record speaks to integrity, consistency, and a commitment to non-violence.”
He called on political stakeholders to take decisive steps in shaping the future of the state, warning that failure to act collectively could result in missed opportunities for progress.
Speaking at the meeting, the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, emphasised the need for greater civic participation and collective responsibility in governance and political decision-making.
He said every citizen has a role to play in shaping the country’s future, stressing that no individual or group should feel excluded from the democratic process.
“Everyone has a voice and a responsibility to take part in decisions that affect their lives. Rather than waiting for others, people must step forward and take ownership of their collective destiny.”
Arabambi noted that political power ultimately belongs to the people, adding that citizens must resist any form of political, social, or economic domination.
He called for unity among citizens, saying collaboration remains essential for defining shared goals and building a more stable and progressive society.
According to him, courage, conviction, and collective action are necessary ingredients for democratic progress.
“Standing firm in one’s beliefs is more valuable than remaining silent or divided,” he said. “Moving forward requires clarity, determination, and a shared commitment to progress that strengthens the collective good.”
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