The convener of The Alternative, Segun Sowunmi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State, but declined to disclose the political platform he will run on.
Sowunmi made the declaration on Friday during a visit to the secretariat of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Abeokuta, where he also sought the support of political stakeholders ahead of the poll.
The former spokesman to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar said his ambition was driven by the need to provide “purposeful and quality leadership” for the state, stressing that the 2027 election should not be reduced to a mere endorsement of a preferred candidate.
His declaration comes amid moves within the All Progressives Congress to adopt a consensus candidate from Ogun West Senatorial District.
Sowunmi, however, insisted he would join the race regardless of any such arrangement, calling instead for a competitive electoral process.
“As we approach 2027, the question is whether Ogun will submit to a coronation or allow a truly competitive process for the sake of future generations,” he said.
The politician also challenged all aspirants, including those endorsed by political parties, to an open debate to test their competence and preparedness for governance.
While acknowledging the long-standing agitation of Ogun West to produce a governor, Sowunmi described the demand as legitimate but warned against imposing a candidate through consensus.
“Aspiration loses its meaning where there is no contest,” he added.
He further advocated the formation of a grassroots-driven coalition among opposition parties to challenge the dominance of the ruling APC, dismissing ongoing elite-level coalition talks as ineffective.
According to him, sustainable political alliances must be built from the grassroots, noting that internal crises and legal disputes had weakened major political parties across the country.
Sowunmi also decried money politics, urging a shift towards issue-based campaigns focused on development, rather than vote-buying or material inducements.
“The governorship of Ogun is not about sharing rice or money. It must be about deliberate and strategic development,” he said.
He maintained that his ambition was not driven by personal gain but by a commitment to service, adding that he had no history of political violence.
Speaking at the event, the South-West Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, called for increased citizen participation in governance, stressing that power ultimately resides with the people.
Arabambi, who backed Sowunmi’s aspiration, urged Nigerians to resist political and economic systems that undermine their freedom, while advocating unity and collective action.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Chairman of IPAC, Abayomi Sanyaolu, described the council as a credible platform for political engagement, noting that Sowunmi had been duly recognised as an aspirant.
He commended the politician’s consistency and urged stakeholders to prioritise inclusiveness and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
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