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National Opposition Movement Launches in Rivers, Calls for Leadership Reawakening
In a bold move to reawaken democratic values and strengthen opposition politics in Nigeria, leaders from across the South-South region gathered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, for a regional town hall meeting under the banner of “The Alternative” movement. Convened by Otunba Segun Showunmi, the former Ogun State governorship aspirant and leader of the National Opposition Movement Coalition, the event sought to foster unity, accountability, and grassroots political reform.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of political leaders, elder statesmen, women activists, youth representatives, and advocacy groups, all united by a shared vision of redefining opposition politics in Nigeria. The central message was clear: only through collaboration, accountability, and citizen engagement can the country address its growing democratic challenges.
Speaking to the audience, Otunba Segun Showunmi highlighted the critical role of a strong and unified opposition in shaping Nigeria’s political future. “We need to come together and have a collective thought process. Opposition politics should not be about chaos or divisiveness. Instead, it should offer constructive alternatives to governance and inspire hope in the Nigerian people,” he stated.
Showunmi stressed the need for opposition parties to work harmoniously and develop ideological bonds that resonate with citizens. He criticized the tendency of political parties to become weaker versions of the ones they aim to replace, urging them to inspire change from within and deliver genuine solutions.
A key focus of the discussions was the importance of grassroots engagement in driving political reform. Showunmi encouraged citizens to actively participate in the political process, emphasizing that democracy can only thrive when people take ownership of their civic responsibilities. “If we want better leadership, we must be the change we seek. Join political parties, engage in the process, and demand accountability from your leaders,” he urged.
Veteran actress and Labour Party chairman in Rivers State, Hilda Dokubo, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to focus on local issues. “Rivers State is in our hands, and it is what we choose to make it. Let no one distract us from the issues that matter most at the grassroots level,” she said. Dokubo also highlighted the region’s contributions to the nation’s wealth and the need for equitable development.
Another critical topic at the event was the need for greater inclusion of women and minorities in political leadership. Participants criticized the underrepresentation of women in politics and called for reforms to ensure they have equal opportunities. Showunmi questioned the exclusion of women from key political roles, saying, “How can we have women leading banks and corporations but not playing significant roles in our political leadership?”
The discussions also emphasized creating an enabling environment for smaller political parties to thrive, ensuring they are not sidelined in the political process. Hon. Bright Ngola, National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Right Advocate, noted that a robust opposition is essential for holding the government accountable and offering credible alternatives.
Chief Solsuema Osaro, Rivers State chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), called for a reawakening within the opposition, urging parties to prioritize the national interest over personal ambitions. “If we truly want change, we must stand united. Our differences can be resolved through dialogue, but our focus must remain on the common good of the Nigerian people,” he said.
The town hall meeting is part of a larger initiative by “The Alternative” movement to create a national paradigm shift in democratic conversations. Previous meetings have been held in Abuja, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kano, with plans to extend to other regions. Showunmi reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to identifying and promoting capable leaders who can address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the movement aims to inspire a new wave of citizen participation and leadership accountability. “The earlier we start searching for the right leaders, the better. We need quality people not just at the presidential level but in the legislature and other arms of government,” Showunmi said.
The event concluded with participants pledging to work together to build a strong, united opposition capable of inspiring confidence in Nigerians. As the movement continues its nationwide outreach, it seeks to redefine democracy and chart a new course for Nigeria’s political future.
The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS, has condemned calls for violence against non-Muslims in Plateau and Enugu States.
The group distanced itself from a viral video in which some persons allegedly urged attacks using AK-47 rifles.
The organisation said it would not support any call to attack or kill anyone, regardless of their religion.
The National Publicity Secretary of JIBWIS, Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Ashiru, said this in a statement issued at the group’s headquarters in Jos on Tuesday.
“We are yet to confirm whether the video is authentic, but our position against violence remains clear,” Ashiru said.
Ashiru said JIBWIS had yet to verify the video’s authenticity but stressed that the organisation would not condone any call to attack or kill anyone.
He said the group, under the leadership of Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, rejected violence, especially at a time when many Nigerians were struggling with insecurity.
“Banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and Boko Haram attacks continue to affect communities across the country, while comments that promote violence can threaten peaceful coexistence and create unnecessary tension among Nigerians,” Ashiru said.
“We would not support any call capable of disturbing the peace of Nigeria, as such comments are capable of inciting violence and creating unnecessary tension among Nigerians,” he said.
He stressed that anyone making such statements in the name of JIBWIS did not represent the organisation’s position.
He urged security agencies to investigate the video, establish its authenticity and identify those involved.
He added that anyone found responsible should face the law after a proper investigation by the relevant authorities.
The member representing Bichi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, has urged residents of Bichi Federal Constituency in Kano State to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, warning that ongoing development projects could be abandoned if the president is not re-elected.
Bichi said many of the projects being executed in Bichi and other parts of Kano were made possible through the support and approval of the federal government.
He spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the Bichi chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general election.
“If you vote for me and do not vote for President Tinubu, there is a problem. Most of these development projects are coming to Bichi and Kano through his consent; there's no other magic,” he said.
The lawmaker said a member of the National Assembly could not execute major development projects without the support and approval of the executive arm of government.
“No matter how a representative wants to work, without the approval of the executive, he cannot do it. If you don't vote for Tinubu, all these ongoing projects will be abandoned,” he added.
Bichi said the development recorded in the constituency over the last seven and a half years would have been difficult for many people to imagine in 2019.
According to him, the projects were part of efforts to change the attitude of residents towards elections and encourage them to participate in the democratic process.
He said some people previously refused to vote because they believed their votes did not count and did not see the impact of elected officials' work.
Bichi urged residents to support the APC in 2027, calling on Bichi residents and Kano North, which has 1.3 million registered voters, to deliver not less than 1 million votes for the party.
He also expressed support for Tinubu, saying the president had demonstrated commitment to the North through development projects.
“Tinubu loves the North. If he did not, he would not be doing all these things,” he said.
Bichi also referred to former President Muhammadu Buhari's emergence as president in 2015, saying Tinubu played an important role in the process.
On insecurity, the lawmaker acknowledged that residents remained concerned about the situation but said there had been a gradual improvement.
He cited the Kaduna-Abuja road as an example, claiming that insecurity along the route had reduced.
Also, speaking, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, called on members of the APC in Bichi to promote peaceful campaigns, inclusive governance and grassroots participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, said Nigeria was recovering from its challenges, noting that the process of healing could come with pain.
“The country has been seriously injured and is in the process of recovery. For a wound to heal, it has to pass through pain,” he said.
Ongoing projects may be abandoned if you dont vote Tinubu – Kano Rep, Bichi
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