A former presidential candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in 2015, Chief Martin Onovo, has said it would be difficult for any single opposition party to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Onovo stated this in an interview on Monday in Lagos.
According to him, the only viable path to defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election is through a strong alliance of opposition parties.
Onovo described the coalition being championed by former PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and other like-minded leaders to challenge Tinubu in 2027 as a step in the right direction.
“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.
“The coalition will win the 2027 election with 99 per cent of the votes if it is not self-sabotaged.
“Take it to the bank it will not fail. It will succeed and defeat the ruling party convincingly, if done properly.
“If the coalition is not self-sabotaged, it will be difficult for the APC to return in 2027,” said Onovo, who is also an activist and Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC).
Also Read: Tinubu Will Win 2027 Election If the Opposition Fails to Unite – Okonkwo
On the mid-term assessment of the current administration, Onovo said not much had been achieved in terms of security and the provision of basic needs for the masses.
He urged President Tinubu to use the remaining years of his first term to intensify efforts to address security challenges and improve living standards.
Onovo further advised the president to strengthen his cabinet by appointing technocrats and competent individuals in order to fulfil his campaign promises effectively.
“The president needs to be clear about his objectives. He should focus on improving the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians, both in the cities and in the remotest areas.
“We need competent people in positions, not just loyalists. Let us appoint the right people, adopt sound strategies, and foster an ethical environment, while the president provides leadership and takes responsibility.
“We need the right commanders with well-thought-out strategies in the areas of security and the economy, to end insecurity and suffering. We must not sacrifice performance for loyalty,” he said.
Onovo also urged the president to fight corruption more vigorously and reduce the inequality index, which he blamed for insecurity and social tensions.
