Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and National Coordinator of The Alternative Movement, has dismissed the newly formed coalition involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling it a product of “inordinate ambition” with no capacity to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking during The Alternative Movement’s Southwest townhall meeting in Abeokuta on Thursday, Showunmi described the coalition, led by former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, as unserious and lacking in credibility.
“These are people who jump from party to party every election season. If they had joined quietly, perhaps they’d earn some respect. But they’ve brought along the same divisive tendencies that wrecked their previous platforms,” he said.
Showunmi criticized the group’s attempt to disrupt the existing North-South power rotation, emphasizing that Nigeria’s political structure operates on a pendulum of power balancing.
“Power stayed in the North for eight years, and now it’s in the South. We can’t have one Yoruba president followed by another Yoruba-backed candidate. That’s unacceptable.”
He warned that rather than working within their parties to address internal issues, these politicians are going in circles that will lead nowhere in 2027.
Although critical of misgovernance, Showunmi noted that Tinubu’s administration had only completed two years and deserved the space to work.
“I criticize when necessary, but I won’t support any gang-up that disrupts governance. We’ll review our options by the third year, but for now, this coalition offers no real challenge,” he said.
Showunmi also hinted at plans to tour all 36 states in the coming months to strategize politically.
He emphasized The Alternative Movement’s focus on voter education, civic participation, and nation-building.
“We’re pushing for a new political culture ending vote buying, voter apathy, and promoting unity. The Alternative isn’t a party it’s a people-focused movement,” he explained.
Arabambi Blasts Coalition Leaders
Also speaking at the event, Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, slammed the coalition leaders as failed politicians seeking a comeback.
“Tinubu inherited a broken economy and crumbling infrastructure. While he’s working to stabilize things, those who ruined the country now return with empty promises,” Arabambi said.
He stressed that The Alternative Movement isn’t opposed to coalition politics but warned against aligning with “certified failures pretending to be reformers.”
“What every right-thinking Nigerian must reject is the recycling of failures. This coalition is a fraud,” he declared.
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