A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesman to Atiku Abubakar, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has warned Nigerians against recycling politicians who have failed to deliver meaningful leadership over the years.
Speaking in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during a Townhall Meeting organised as part of the ongoing national tour of “The Alternative,” Showunmi expressed concern over the growing trend of bringing back the same set of leaders who have occupied Nigeria’s political space for over three decades.
According to him, the constant recycling of old political actors is one of the reasons Nigeria’s progress remains stagnant, as many of these individuals have not shown any new ideas or commitment to genuine development.
“We cannot continue this dangerous pattern of recycling leaders who have failed the people time and again. The result is clear – Nigeria remains stuck, and our democracy has become more about personalities than values,” Showunmi stated.
He also condemned how politicians exploit religion to divide the population while manipulating the system to stay in power. He noted that opposition parties have been weakened and those elected to challenge the government lack the courage to speak truth to power.
Showunmi, Convener of the National Opposition Movement Coalition, codenamed “The Alternative,” stressed that his movement is not evolving into a political party but is working to educate citizens, engage political actors, and advocate for credible elections.
He further blamed money politics and vote trading for deepening the country’s leadership crisis, warning that until Nigerians reject candidates with questionable wealth and recycled records, true development will remain elusive.
One of the founding leaders of the movement, Adai Edwin Adai, also addressed the gathering, calling for unity among Nigerians to choose credible leaders who will prioritise the people’s welfare over personal ambitions.
Similarly, Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, condemned the culture where failed politicians refuse to retire but instead recycle themselves back into power.
“We are in a country where politicians don’t lose and walk away. They fail and come back again, and the people suffer the consequences,” Arabambi said.
