Fresh Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy: Advocates for National Coalition Formation
A former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s campaign organization, Segun Showunmi, recently called for a nationwide initiative to revitalize Nigeria’s democracy. The prominent chieftain spoke at a press conference in Abuja, lamenting the erosion of political integrity and the growing disinterest of citizens in the system.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, Showunmi highlighted notable achievements, such as the peaceful transfer of power between political parties in 2015. However, he emphasized the decay of political values, making it difficult for voters to discern genuine candidates. This shift has led to the primacy of personality-based elections over ideological debates and moral principles.
Showunmi sounded a warning that unless drastic action is taken, Nigeria is at risk of slipping into electoral chaos and unresponsive governance. He particularly critiqued the growing mistrust of institutions like INEC and the judiciary.
To revive the country’s political culture, Showunmi proposed the formation of a national coalition, comprising academics, civil society groups, media outlets, and other democratic stakeholders. The purpose of this coalition is to defend Nigeria’s democracy from decay and promote constructive, principles-driven politics.
Showunmi condemned the lack of accountability, citing the persistence of electoral malpractices and political thuggery. “We have observed the deterioration of the judiciary and its inability to safeguard justice, as well as INEC’s inability to uphold integrity in the electoral process,” he stated.
Regarding his plans for the national coalition, Showunmi noted: “We want to provide a platform for Nigerian stakeholders to engage, guide the opposition, and develop initiatives that promote healthy governance.” His initiative aims to promote unity and cooperation among like-minded individuals and organizations.
Showunmi acknowledged the challenges of trading in votes and called for greater education and advocacy on this issue. “It’s crucial that we highlight the harmful consequences of vote buying and ensure that our collective resources are not plundered,” he emphasized.
In a concluding remark, Showunmi asserted: “We can shape a brighter future by avoiding chaos and ensuring transparency. It’s our responsibility as citizens to defend Nigeria’s democracy and prevent our beloved nation from becoming vulnerable to undemocratic forces.”
