In an exclusive chat, Director-General of the National Consultative Front (NCF), Wale Okunniyi, spills the beans on a grand scheme to shake up Nigeria’s political landscape and give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a serious run for its money in 2027.
Labour Party: The ‘Third Force’ That Almost Was
According to Okunniyi, the Labour Party wasn’t just some political underdog—it was the main act before ‘certain elements’ interfered with the script. The party, originally designed as a third-force alternative, managed to clinch significant victories before alleged electoral shenanigans came into play. However, he insists that 2027 won’t be about a mere ‘third force’—they’re aiming bigger, bolder, and stronger.
He reminisces about 2011 and 2015 when political heavyweights like Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Olu Falae, and Odumegwu Ojukwu formed alliances to challenge Nigeria’s one-party dominance. The result? The eventual birth of APC. Ironically, the same political masterminds who crafted that movement are now plotting its downfall.
The Art of Political Matchmaking
Okunniyi narrates how past alliances saw political figures like Atiku Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari joining forces, despite their stark differences. This time, however, the game plan is different. Instead of stitching together a ‘third force’ that crumbles at the finish line, the movement is set on uniting various factions into one dominant opposition block—think of it as a political Avengers assemble.
He emphasizes that previous attempts at building a formidable opposition floundered due to fragmented efforts. 2019 saw them trying to unify under the Nigeria Intervention Movement, but internal divisions led to multiple candidates contesting, diluting their chances. By 2022, they finally funneled their energy into the Labour Party, and the Obidient Movement was born. Now, lessons have been learned, and they’re going for the jugular.
What’s the Plan for 2027?
Okunniyi reveals that consultations are underway across party lines—yes, even within APC itself. The strategy? Absorb an existing party, rebrand, restructure, and create an unstoppable ultra-mega movement. They’re keeping their options open—Labour Party, PDP, NNPP, or any party willing to be transformed into a powerhouse.
INEC may not be too eager to register a new party, so the plan is to hijack an existing structure, reshape its leadership, and push a national agenda aimed at ‘rescuing democracy.’ Sounds ambitious? It sure is, but Okunniyi insists that this time, they mean business.
Will It Work?
They’ve been burned before, but they believe they’ve cracked the code. He recalls the 2015 APC experiment, where ‘certain people’ seized power and locked Buhari inside the Villa, conveniently forgetting campaign promises. Lesson learned? Never let a movement be hijacked. This time, they’re ensuring the people—yes, actual Nigerians—own the process.
What About Atiku, Obi, and Other Political Bigwigs?
According to Okunniyi, ‘everyone is talking to everyone.’ Atiku, Obi, and their allies are all engaged in high-level discussions, and all signs point toward a national summit in May where the grand alliance will take shape. The North, surprisingly, is more invested than ever—perhaps because they feel the heat of governance more acutely than the South.
A Democracy in Need of Saving
Beyond just winning an election, Okunniyi insists this movement is about reviving a dying democracy. Gone are the days when governments engaged citizens in policy discussions. Nigeria’s governance has become a game of smoke and mirrors, where decisions are made behind closed doors, leaving the people as mere spectators. The coalition plans to change that by restoring real democratic engagement.
But What About Political ‘Inducements’?
Atiku recently alleged that opposition members were being bribed to the tune of N50 million to stay quiet. How does the movement plan to navigate such murky waters? Okunniyi chuckles, saying, ‘We’ve been here before. This isn’t our first rodeo.’ The strategy? Keep consultations transparent and inclusive, ensuring that no one individual or party holds all the power.
A New Dawn or Just Another Political Mirage?
Okunniyi insists that Nigerians should keep their hopes up. Unlike previous attempts that fizzled out, this coalition is designed to be people-powered, ensuring that the electorate has a real stake in the movement. He jabs at past governments that made grand promises—remember the supposed youth summit?—but delivered nothing.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
