The presidential candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party in the 2015 general election, Martin Onovo, says a mega coalition against the incumbent president featuring an old man as a presidential candidate will not win the 2027 poll.

Mr Onovo, an activist and head of policy positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change, said this on Tuesday in Lagos.

He was reacting to the recent announcement of an opposition coalition to challenge the All Progressives Congress in the next presidential election.

“The coalition of opposition leaders needs a candidate that is vigorous—a strong candidate—to brighten its chances in 2027. The coalition needs somebody with a clear agenda and a clear vision. The opposition needs a candidate with a strong background of integrity. Nobody is perfect, but you need a strong background of integrity.

“The opposition needs somebody who is morally and mentally competent and physically fit. The opposition does not need former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar or any old person if it wants to win. The opposition doesn’t need any old person now. It is time to use the energy of the young.

“They must present a strong candidate, who is strong morally, mentally, and physically, with a clear patriotic agenda to move the country forward,” Mr Onovo said.

He added that the coalition had a lot that could work to its advantage in 2027 and urged members to work with unity of purpose to achieve a convincing victory.

Also, speaking on the chances of the ruling party in 2027, the politician said the APC could remain in power if the present administration addressed the challenges arising from subsidy removal and other economic issues.

He also said President Bola Tinubu still had the opportunity to address the security challenges in the country to win in 2027 and remain in power if interested.

Mr Onovo, who noted that he was not part of the organisers of the mega coalition, said he had always been part of the Coalition of United Political Parties since the 2019 elections.

He called on all Nigerians to unite for the development of the country, ensuring leadership that would fulfil the country’s aspirations.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had recently announced the formation of a coalition aimed at unseating Mr Tinubu in 2027.

Mr Abubakar made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members.

Among those present at the event were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Yunusa Tanko; former secretary to the government of the federation, Babachir Lawal; and former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. 

(NAN)