Nigeria’s predicaments have maintained its status as a baton, in fact, our problems have remained with us like our skins and it has only taken people of good conscience to offer both preventive and curative measures to combat these challenges. One of such problems is Leadership Crisis, and this is summarily the can in the worm of other catastrophic social and political disorders we are plagued with. It is safe to say that with reoccurring problems shifted from parties, to persons and administrations, there have been groups and persons purposed to cause and drive a paradigm shift from the old orders. Some of these groups are: TakeItBack Movement, TheAlternative, The4thTribe amongst many others. For the purpose of this discourse, I shall be examining #TheAlternative led by Segun Showunmi and The4thTribe led by Abayomi Mighty, looking at its prospects in forging a formidable “Third Force” or a “First Force”. This is not to relegate the efforts of the TakeitBack movement, as it has obviously shown itself as a pressure group.
Segun Showunmi (OSS)’s #TheAlternative and Abayomi Mighty’s #The4thTribe have gained traction as voices for political reformation. Both movements challenge gerontocracy, advocates for progressive policies, youth engagement, and governance reforms. While the former is focused on governance innovation, youth inclusivity, economic transformation, transparent leadership, policy-driven governance, active citizenship, leveraging technology to drive political engagement and a departure from the old order; the later aims to unite Nigerians beyond ethnic and religious divides, fostering national unity and purpose-driven leadership. It seeks to empower young people and professionals to take an active role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
These movements have continued to facilitate political discourses, awareness, voters education, and mobilization for democratic participation. The movements, headed by industrialists and innovators, persons who have built social networks over the years, have leveraged digital platforms and grassroots engagement to communicate ideas that resonate with the aspirations of Nigerians disillusioned by the APC, PDP, and now, LP. Their advocacy has put issues such as economic revitalization, security, and infrastructural development at the forefront of national discourse.
Owing to the increasing dissatisfaction with the ruling elites, these movements outings have been laudable, and have enjoyed massive reception from the masses. However, to succeed, either of them, Segun Showunmi or Abayomi Mighty must present himself as a candidate with a clear vision, form strategic alliances, and mobilize mass support across regions and demography.
What appears to be the biggest challenges are funds and political entrenched structures of the old-fashioned parties.
And if we were to go by this means of selecting one of us, such a person must be an individual with a strong grassroots appeal, an impeccable track record, has the ability to unify diverse segments of Nigerian society, leverage both traditional and digital campaign strategies to maximize outreach, and forge a strong coalition among existing alternative movements.
Nigeria’s political future depends on an alternative that can offer sustainable governance, transparency, and inclusivity. Whether #TheAlternative or #The4thTribe will birth this transformative leadership remains to be seen, but their contributions to the nation’s democratic evolution are undeniably significant.
Ikechukwu John Uformadu is a creative writer, thinker and teacher. He’s a political observer and analyst with over a decade of writing experience.
Abayomi Mighty