Chief Martin Onovo, a former presidential candidate, asserted that no single opposition party can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, Onovo emphasized the need for a strong alliance among opposition parties to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Onovo, who contested the 2015 presidential election under the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP), praised the ongoing coalition efforts led by former PDP presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and other political figures. He described their initiative as a positive and necessary step toward challenging Tinubu in 2027.
He highlighted his role in initiating the largest coalition in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and insisted that a united opposition could easily defeat the APC.
“A united minority will always outperform a divided majority,” Onovo declared. “If the coalition avoids internal sabotage, it can secure up to 99 percent of the vote and convincingly defeat the ruling party.”
Onovo, who also heads policy for the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), warned that only a well-executed coalition could prevent the APC from returning to power in 2027.
Reviewing the mid-term performance of the current administration, Onovo criticized the government’s progress on security and the provision of basic needs. He urged President Tinubu to focus the remainder of his first term on improving security and raising living standards.
He also encouraged Tinubu to appoint technocrats and competent professionals to his cabinet, instead of political loyalists, in order to deliver on campaign promises.
“The president must define clear goals and prioritize the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians, both in urban centers and remote communities,” Onovo said. “We need skilled leaders and sound strategies, not favoritism. Let performance—not loyalty—guide appointments.”
Onovo further called on the president to intensify the fight against corruption and reduce economic inequality, which he identified as key drivers of insecurity and social unrest.
