How opposition leaders can unseat Tinubu in 2027 – Ex-presidential candidate

Martin Onovo, the former Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party in the 2015 general election, has shared his insights on how the opposition can effectively challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Onovo, an activist and Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Changes, emphasized that unity among opposition parties and the emergence of a strong, credible candidate are crucial for securing victory.

He made these remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

His statement comes in response to the recent announcement of an opposition coalition aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election.

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He stated, “The coalition of opposition leaders needs a candidate that is vigorous; a strong candidate to brighten its chances in 2027. The coalition needs somebody with a clear agenda and a clear vision.

“The opposition needs a candidate with a strong background of integrity. Nobody is perfect, but you need a strong background of integrity. The opposition needs somebody who is morally and mentally competent, and physically fit. The opposition does not need the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any old person if it wants to win.

“The opposition doesn’t need any old person now. It is time to use the energy of the young.

“They must present a strong candidate, who is strong morally, mentally, and physically, with a clear patriotic agenda to move the country forward.”

He added that the coalition had a lot that could work to its advantage in 2027 and urged members to work with unity of purpose to achieve a convincing victory.

Also speaking on the chances of the ruling party in 2027, he said APC could remain in power if the challenges arising from subsidy removal and other economic issues were addressed by the present administration.

He also said Tinubu still had the opportunity to address the security challenges in the country to win in 2027 and remain in power, if interested

Onovo, who noted that he was not part of the organisers of the mega coalition, said that he had always been part of the Coalition of United Political Parties since the 2019 elections.

He called on all Nigerians to unite for the development of the country, ensuring leadership that would fulfill the country’s aspirations.

Recall that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had recently announced the formation of a coalition aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027.

Atiku made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members.

Among those present at the event were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

(NAN)