A national chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party?s gubernatorial aspirant in the 2023 general election in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi, has disclosed why he convened the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC) otherwise as ?The Alternative?.

According to Sowunmi, NOMC was conceptualized and birthed by him as a movement to rally Nigerians for a collective action in developing national unity and enhancing democratic engagement.

Sowunmi, who stated this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, added that the coalition will ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy in terms of its promise of inclusion, progress and shared prosperity.

He noted that the coalition is notabout political parties, rather, it is an alternative initiative convened to create a platform for Nigerians to discuss and address critical national issues.

?This is not about political parties. While I am a member of the PDP, this movement is about the people and the need for collective action. We must educate and sensitise ourselves, hold meaningful conversations, and rebuild trust in the democratic system?, he said.

While describing democracy as the ?greatest hope for the poor?, he charged Nigerians to reclaim their political power through informed and active participation.

?If democracy is to work, every citizen must understand their role and rights. The power of one vote can transform lives and elevate communities. We cannot afford to remain passive or sell our future for temporary gains,? he added.

Sowunmi who was the spokesperson of Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organization for the 2019 general election, said that the NOMC organized a town hall meeting in Bauchi State last week where the people were sensitized on the need for a united Nigeria and their active participation of in the democratic process.

He emphasized that it is the onerousresponsibility of the authorities to provide platforms that enable citizens to serve better, stressing that ?the attitude that makes Nigeria seem like it is not one country has to go?.

?This nation is one, and there is enough evidence to prove that. From our culture to our traditions, the similarities outweigh the differences. Even language, which some consider a dividing factor, is only a means of communication; we must reject division and celebrate our unity as Nigerians,? he added.

The PDP national chieftain, however, insisted that Nigerian citizens should take ownership of the democratic process, saying declining voters turnout during polls was a worrying trend.

?In 2023, despite 93 million registered voters and collected PVCs, only 8 million votes were enough to install the president. This is a stark reminder that many Nigerians are not exercising their civic responsibilities. This disengagement, coupled with vote buying and selling, erodes the promise of democracy,? he noted.

He explained that the Bauchi event was part of a series of zonal town hall meetings organized by NOMC to foster dialogue and collaboration across Nigeria?s six geopolitical zone

Sowunmi, however, commended the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Muhammed for his support which drew participants from across the North East. (Daily Sun)