Chief Martin Onovo, a former presidential candidate, has stated that no single opposition party can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election unless they form a strong coalition.
Onovo, who contested under the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in 2015, made the remarks in an interview on Monday in Lagos.
He described the coalition efforts led by former PDP presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and other leaders as a positive step towards challenging Tinubu.
“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 said.
He added that if the coalition avoids self-sabotage, it could win the 2027 election with 99 per cent of the votes and decisively defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Onovo, who is also an activist and Head of Policy Positions for the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), urged Tinubu to use the remainder of his first term to address security challenges and improve living conditions for Nigerians.
He called on the president to strengthen his cabinet with technocrats and competent individuals rather than loyalists, emphasising the need for clear objectives and effective leadership.
“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.
Onovo also urged a stronger fight against corruption and efforts to reduce inequality, which he identified as factors fuelling insecurity and social tensions.
(NAN)