Former presidential candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP), Chief Martin Onovo, says no single opposition party can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections without a formidable coalition.
Onovo, who made this assertion on Monday in Lagos, said only a strong alliance of opposition forces could pose a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described the ongoing efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political leaders to unite opposition parties 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). I can tell you that a united minority is stronger than a divided majority,” Onovo said.
“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 succeed and defeat the ruling party convincingly, if they do it well,” he added.
Onovo, also the Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), warned that internal divisions and personal interests could derail the coalition if not properly managed.
Mid-Term Assessment of Tinubu’s Government
Assessing the performance of the Tinubu administration mid-way through its first term, Onovo expressed disappointment over the government’s handling of key issues such as security and poverty alleviation.
“Not much has been achieved in the area of security and provision of basic needs to the masses. The President must use the remaining years of this term to make meaningful impact,” he stated.
Onovo advised President Tinubu to restructure his cabinet by bringing in technocrats and competent professionals to effectively deliver on his promises.
“We need competent people in positions, not just loyalists. The President must provide clear leadership, ensure ethical governance, and prioritize welfare and security across Nigeria — from cities to rural areas,” he said.
“We must not sacrifice performance for loyalty. The nation needs the right commanders with clear strategies in both the security and economic sectors.”
Onovo also called on the President to intensify efforts to fight corruption and reduce economic inequality, which he said were fueling insecurity and social unrest across the country.
“If the government fails to address corruption and rising inequality, insecurity and suffering will only worsen,” he warned.
