Showunmi questions dominance of old politicians in Nigeria, calling for credible leadership and condemning recycled elites and vote trading in flawed democratic systems
Showunmi questions dominance of old politicians in Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as a major reason for the country’s stagnation and value erosion in politics.
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The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain and former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar made the statement in Abeokuta on Thursday during a town hall meeting for the domestication tour of “The Alternative”, a non-partisan national opposition coalition.
According to Otunba Segun Showunmi, Nigerian politics has moved away from ideology and public service into a dangerously commercialised arena, where the same political actors from decades ago continue to dominate.
“We have watched with agony as clear ideological differences within parties have disappeared, making choices less about values and more about personalities,” he lamented. “Sadly, this has evolved dangerously into a money-driven process.”
Showunmi leads the National Opposition Movement Coalition, codenamed The Alternative, launched in November 2024.
The group aims to reawaken citizens’ consciousness and rebuild integrity within Nigeria’s democratic processes, without becoming a political party.
He criticised opposition politicians for their silence on national issues and accused them of lacking the boldness required in a democracy.
Showunmi also accused politicians of weaponising religion to manipulate the masses, using it to fuel division and maintain power.
“Our democracy has lost its soul,” he said. “The judiciary, electoral bodies like INEC, and even the citizens need urgent reorientation.”
He stressed the need for a mass enlightenment campaign to stop vote trading and called on Nigerians to question the wealth sources of aspirants before entrusting them with power.
“We are engaging Nigerians, political actors, and stakeholders to promote credible democratic and electoral processes,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Adai Edwin Adai, a founding leader of The Alternative, urged Nigerians to unite and resist being influenced by financial inducement.
He said the nation’s hope lies in courageous citizens making informed political decisions.
Dr Abayomi Arabambi, National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, echoed similar concerns.
“In Nigeria, politicians don’t fail elections and retire. They fail and recycle. That’s a major setback to true leadership,” he remarked.
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The town hall in Abeokuta follows the coalition’s earlier tours through several geopolitical zones, continuing its mission to reposition civic consciousness across the country.
