A former presidential candidate, Chief Martin Onovo, has said President Bola Tinubu cannot be defeated in the 2027 election unless the opposition parties unite in a strong and strategic coalition.
Speaking in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, Onovo, who contested under the now-defunct National Conscience Party in 2015, argued that any single party’s attempt to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in isolation would be futile.
“The only way to defeat the APC in 2027 is through a powerful alliance of opposition parties,” he said. “I was the brain behind the largest coalition ever in the Fourth Republic, which birthed the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and I can tell you that coalition is the only way, because a united minority is stronger than a divided majority.”
Onovo described the recent efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political leaders to forge a coalition as a “step in the right direction”. He said if done properly, the alliance could deliver a landslide victory at the next general elections.
“The coalition will win the 2027 election with 99 per cent votes if it is not self-sabotaged,” Onovo said. “Take it to the bank, it will not fail, it will succeed and defeat the ruling party convincingly, if they do it well. If the coalition is not self-sabotaged, it will be difficult for APC to return in 2027.”
Onovo, who is currently the Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change, also gave a critical mid-term assessment of President Tinubu’s administration, pointing to weak outcomes in security and poor delivery of basic services.
He urged the President to take bold and practical steps to improve the nation’s security architecture and the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
“Not much has been achieved in the area of security and provision of basic needs to the masses,” he said. “The President needs to be clear about his objectives. He should be all out to better the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians in the city and remotest areas.”
According to Onovo, Nigeria needs more technocrats in government and fewer political loyalists, especially in key economic and security roles.
“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. “We need the right commanders with strategies in security and economy to end insecurity and suffering. We must not sacrifice performance for loyalty.”
He also called for a more aggressive anti-corruption drive and deliberate efforts to reduce inequality, which he said was fuelling insecurity and social unrest across the country.
