In an exclusive interview with Wale Akinselure, Wale Okunniyi, the Director-General of the National Consultative Front (NCF), shared his bold vision for Nigeria’s political future. With a clear focus on unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, Okunniyi outlined plans to form an “ultra-mega” coalition that will challenge the status quo and provide Nigerians with a fresh political alternative.
Reflecting on the history of opposition movements in Nigeria, Okunniyi recalled the emergence of the Labour Party as a third force, which gained momentum during the 2023 elections under Peter Obi. Despite the setbacks and allegations of election rigging, Okunniyi emphasized that the struggle for a democratic and fair political system would continue. “We are not relying on a third force for 2027; we’re preparing to create something far more powerful—a mega movement that can truly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape,” he stated.
Drawing from past experiences, Okunniyi explained that the National Consultative Front (NCF) was inspired by previous efforts, including the creation of the APC, where various opposition forces came together to challenge the one-party rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Now, the NCF seeks to bring together key stakeholders from multiple political parties, including the PDP, Labour Party, and even factions of the APC, to form a united front against the ruling party.
“We aim to build a formidable coalition that will stand for the people,” Okunniyi said. “It’s not about us; it’s about rescuing Nigeria from the economic and political challenges we face, empowering the citizens, and ensuring the country’s future is shaped by the will of the people.”
The NCF’s strategy for 2027 is to rebrand and restructure existing political parties, rather than form a new one—especially given the challenges of registering a new party with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). By working within the framework of existing parties, the NCF intends to create a broad-based coalition with strong leadership that resonates with Nigerians from all walks of life.
When asked about the involvement of key political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and their supporters, Okunniyi confirmed ongoing consultations, saying that “all forces” are coming together for the common good. The NCF plans to convene a national summit in May 2025, where political stakeholders, including those from the APC, PDP, and Labour Party, will discuss the future of the coalition and lay the groundwork for the 2027 election.
Okunniyi stressed that the movement is not simply about contesting elections, but about ensuring that Nigerians have a real stake in their governance. “This is not for us; it’s for the people,” he said. “Our goal is to create a movement that is driven by the people’s aspirations and provides a true alternative to the ruling APC.”
As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the National Consultative Front’s vision of an “ultra-mega” coalition could prove to be a game-changer in Nigerian politics. Okunniyi’s message is clear: the future belongs to the people, and with the right leadership, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and usher in a new era of democratic governance.
