Otunba Segun Showunmi, a former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, has launched the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), also known as “The Alternative.”

The initiative, which is affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeks to rejuvenate Nigeria’s democracy through education, advocacy, and active civic engagement.

In his address, Showunmi clarified that the movement is not intended to become a political party but will operate as a civic platform.

The primary goal is to inform citizens about the impact of democracy and electoral outcomes on their daily lives.

Showunmi expressed concern over the growing apathy among Nigerians, citing the decline in voter participation and the loss of ideological differences between political parties.

He pointed out that the electoral process has become more focused on personalities than on core values and principles.

To engage citizens and build grassroots support, the movement will organize town hall meetings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, starting in North Central and concluding in the South West by February 2025.

Showunmi stated, “We’ve witnessed a steady decline in citizen engagement, with each election seeing a drop in voter turnout. This decline has led to a regression in our democratic processes, as party ideologies fade, and elections become centered on individual personalities instead of principles. This is now dangerously evolving into a system where money, rather than integrity, drives elections.”

He further criticized the electoral body, INEC, for its failure to improve the integrity of elections, despite making changes to its guidelines.

He said, “Despite INEC’s reforms, there is still a noticeable lack of transparency in the electoral process. The need for a movement to restore integrity and address the erosion of democratic principles has never been more urgent.”

Showunmi also emphasized the growing irrelevance of opposition parties and their inability to effectively challenge the ruling government.

“There is a severe lack of viable opposition, and those in opposition positions are failing to confront the challenges facing the nation. This movement is vital to fill that gap.”

As part of its outreach, the movement will focus on educating Nigerians about the detrimental effects of vote trading and the importance of safeguarding the integrity of elections.

Showunmi condemned the practice of vote trading, promising that the movement would actively work to eliminate it.

“We will dedicate our resources to educating the public on how electoral outcomes affect them, and to stop the disgraceful practice of vote trading”.

“Nigeria deserves leaders who respect democratic values, not those who manipulate the system for personal gain.” he said.

The movement plans to engage political actors, civil society groups, and citizens at all levels, from the local to the national stage.

Through this platform, Showunmi aims to build a robust opposition that can effectively address Nigeria’s political and social challenges.

“We know the road ahead will not be easy, but we are committed to this cause. Our task is clear: we must work towards a more transparent, accountable democracy, and we will do so by engaging Nigerians at every level through town halls and other outreach efforts.”

The movement is determined to steer Nigeria away from chaos and manipulation, offering an alternative to the current political establishment and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South in the National Assembly, has clarified that no formal request was made to the legislature for the approval of the new presidential jet purchased for President Bola Tinubu.

The controversy surrounding the purchase of a new Airbus A330 by the Presidency in August has sparked significant public outcry, with many Nigerians criticizing the acquisition amidst ongoing economic struggles.

In response, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended the purchase, stating that the jet was a “refurbished” aircraft, not a new one as initially reported.

The National Assembly also came under fire, with some accusing its members of being rubber-stamp legislators who unquestioningly approved the President’s request.

However, Senator Abaribe, appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, insisted that no such request had been brought before the lawmakers.

“I am in the National Assembly, but I can assure you, nobody, and I mean nobody, brought anything to the National Assembly asking for approval to purchase a new plane. I was never presented with any document, and I’ve always been in the National Assembly. Ask anyone, they will confirm.”

Abaribe emphasized that the failure to involve the legislature in the approval process undermines its role in providing checks and balances on the executive branch.

He expressed concern about the perception of lawmakers as mere rubber-stamps, a view he believes has emerged due to the lack of significant progress on issues important to the public.

The senator acknowledged that National Assembly members often feel disillusioned after years of efforts yielding little, which has led to a more cooperative stance with the executive.

However, he stressed that this does not justify bypassing the proper channels for oversight and accountability.

Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the representative of Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has announced his intention to lead the creation of a powerful opposition alliance, promising that Nigeria will soon witness a united and effective opposition movement.

Speaking at his residence in Akokwa, Imo State, on Sunday evening, Ugochinyere criticized the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for its inability to offer a strong and accountable opposition in the face of the country’s mounting issues.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the recent vote of confidence in the PDP National Working Committee, led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, accusing the leadership of being influenced by Minister Nyesom Wike to undermine the party’s role as an opposition force.

“The PDP has never been in such a low position,” Ugochinyere said, lamenting the party’s current state.

He revealed that efforts are underway to gather forces to revitalize the PDP and create a formidable opposition capable of holding the government to account.

“We will return to the courts and continue our efforts to challenge the tenure of Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu. Our actions will ensure that posterity recognizes our struggles. If our elders won’t stand up and tell Wike to stop this nonsense, we will.”

“We are uniting all forces for a decisive battle. Whether within the PDP or outside it, opposition leaders are ready.” he stated

Ugochinyere also took the opportunity to highlight his accomplishments in his less than two years in office.

These include sinking boreholes in 20 communities, renovating schools, installing 1,700 solar-powered streetlights, and providing desks and other educational resources.

He reaffirmed commitment to improving his constituency and his dedication to fostering a strong and credible opposition movement to address Nigeria’s ongoing challenges.

A recent image of Thaddeus Attah, the Labour Party representative for Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State, wearing President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap, has caused a stir on social media.

The photo quickly garnered attention, with many questioning Attah’s intentions.

Attah, who was elected during the 2023 general elections, is among the lawmakers who gained office in the wake of the popularity of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

Obi, despite coming third in the presidential race, performed strongly in Lagos, a state traditionally considered a stronghold for Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC), and Attah was elected on the same day as the presidential and parliamentary elections.

However, over the weekend, Attah posted a photo on social media wearing a cap inscribed with the words: “THE TASK OF GOOD GOVERNANCE HAS BEGUN,” followed by his title: “Hon Thaddeus Attah, Honourable Member, Federal House of Representatives, Representing Eti Osa Federal Constituency.”

This led to a wave of reactions from Nigerians, with many questioning the motive behind Attah’s choice of attire.

One user, Prince Saviour, posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing disappointment: “Opposition Otilo ooh. Our Lagos Labour Party House of Representatives, Representing Eti Osa Federal Constituency putting on Tinubu cap. What pains most is the sacrifices, time, resources, sweat, and blood that people put together to elect these guys voluntarily.”

Another commenter, @JustKingss, remarked, “Nobody elected him, bro, nobody even knew him. The thing is everyone was voting LP from top to bottom so he was lucky that Peter Obi’s grace got him elected. If it was about the candidates, Banky W was the best and everyone knew about that. The odds are he’ll join APC before long.”

A further tweet by @Sen_Adedotun read, “Politics is about personal interest. Don’t be surprised if he decamps to APC before 2027.”

One more user, @_JtAtta, sarcastically questioned whether the cap was a sign of Attah’s potential defection to the APC, while @abbeygovernor1 commented, “It’s called politics; no permanent enemies, just common interests.”

Despite the growing speculation, Attah has not confirmed any plans to defect from the Labour Party.

When contacted by a reporter, a woman who answered Attah’s phone assured that he was not planning to leave the party.

She stated, “He is not planning to decamp. He is a citizen of Nigeria under Tinubu. So, I don’t think the cap is limited to only APC members. He is 100% in LP.”

Attah’s actions come in the wake of a similar defection earlier this year when Ezenwa Onyewuchi, a Labour Party senator, switched allegiance to the APC, with his defection letter being read in the Senate by the President, Godswill Akpabio.

As of now, Attah’s future in the Labour Party remains unclear, though he has yet to make any official announcement regarding a possible defection.

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections for the 27 vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

This follows the defection of the lawmakers from PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023.

Damagun’s request was made through a letter dated November 13, 2024, which was subsequently made public by the spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, Ikenga Ugochinyere, during a press conference in Akokwa, Imo State.

The letter, titled “Demand for Immediate Conduct of Fresh Election in 27 State Constituencies of Rivers State,” highlights the alleged unlawful defection of 27 Rivers lawmakers on December 11, 2023, from PDP to APC. According to the PDP, this move is a violation of Section 109(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates that lawmakers who defect without lawful grounds vacate their seats.

Damagun urged INEC to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities by conducting elections to fill the vacancies left by these lawmakers.

He emphasized that the defections were made without any valid reason, as the Constitution only allows defections under specific circumstances, which did not apply in this case. As a result, the PDP argues that these lawmakers have forfeited their positions.

The letter also referenced the 2023 election process, during which PDP won all 32 seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The lawmakers were inaugurated in June 2023, but their defection came just six months later, leading the PDP to request the vacant seats be filled through fresh elections.

Damagun expressed gratitude to INEC for its efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, urging it to act swiftly in resolving the matter.

Parts of the letter read, “The Leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to draw the attention of the Commission to the gross violation of Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly following their unlawful defection from our Party, the PDP who sponsored their elections to the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Monday, December 11, 2023.

“The Commission may recall that our Party, the PDP nominated all our 32 State House of Assembly candidates in Rivers State for the 2023 General Election on the 7th of July 2022 via your electronic candidate election nomination portal (See attached acknowledgement).

“The Commission may also recall that following the nomination, the Commission conducted election into the Rivers State House of Assembly on the 18th of March, 2023 and our Party won 32 seats in the state Assembly. The elected State House of Assembly members were inaugurated and sworn-in on June, 2023.

“However, on Monday, 11 December, 2023 a period of just six (6) months after inauguration, 27 out of the 32 members publicly announced their defection from our Party to the All Progressive Congress (APC). This defection is a gross violation of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended).

“The only two grounds of division and merger provided for in the Constitution that permit such defection is completely non-existent in our political Party. It therefore means that the defections of the 27 members are without lawful excuse and these members have vacated their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly by the operations of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby demand that the Commission performs its constitutional duties and begin the process of conducting a Fresh Election to fill the vacancies created in the 27 State Constituencies by the unlawful act of the Assembly members. Find attached the list of the 27 State Assembly Members and their Constituencies.

“While thanking the Commission for its commitment to deepening democracy in our country, please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”