Former Presidential Candidate, Chief Martin Onovo, has said that it will be nearly impossible for any single opposition party to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, stressing that only a united opposition coalition stands a realistic chance.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, Onovo, who contested the 2015 presidential election under the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP), described the proposed coalition of opposition parties spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other stakeholders as “a step in the right direction.”
“Coalition is the only way, because a united minority is stronger than a divided majority,” Onovo said.
“If the coalition is not self-sabotaged, it will succeed and defeat the ruling party convincingly. It can even win with 99 percent of the votes.”
He recalled his role in the formation of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) during the Fourth Republic, emphasizing that a strategic alliance of parties was the most effective way to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Midterm Scorecard: Security, Basic Needs Still Lacking
Onovo, who is also the Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), gave a mixed review of the current administration’s performance so far, expressing concerns over continued insecurity and the government’s inability to meet the basic needs of the Nigerian people.
“Not much has been achieved in security and provision of essential needs,” he said, urging Tinubu to focus on improving welfare and tackling growing insecurity in both urban and rural areas.
He further advised the president to inject technocrats and competent professionals into his cabinet in order to deliver on campaign promises and improve governance outcomes.
Call for Competence Over Loyalty
Onovo criticized what he termed the appointment of “loyalists” over capable individuals in key government positions, particularly in the areas of security and economic management.
“We need competent people in positions, not loyalists. Let us get the right people, right strategies, and ethical environment, while the President provides leadership and takes responsibility,” he said.
He also stressed the need to fight corruption more vigorously, warning that the growing inequality index is a root cause of insecurity and rising social tensions across the country.
