Opposition coalition must unite behind one presidential candidate – Utomi
Political economist and convener of the Big Tent coalition, Pat Utomi, has reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to building a united opposition front aimed at rescuing Nigeria from its worsening economic and governance challenges.
In a statement Thursday titled “Press Statement to the Big Tent Community,” Utomi said the resolutions reached during the Ibadan meeting of April 25 remain valid and continue to shape the coalition’s direction.
“Let me begin by affirming clearly that the Ibadan Declarations of April 25th remain alive. The spirit, convictions, and commitments expressed in Ibadan continue to guide our collective resolve for national renewal, responsible leadership, and the rescue of Nigeria from the deepening crises that confront our people,” he stated.
Utomi said it was encouraging to see opposition groups working toward a common front at a time many Nigerians were struggling with hardship, insecurity and declining trust in public institutions.
“It is encouraging to observe the growing efforts within the opposition coalition to seek the most reasonable, credible, and effective channels for national rescue,” he said.
According to him, the Big Tent movement remains a broad coalition made up of individuals and groups from different political backgrounds, including the Labour Party, ADC, SDP and other platforms.
“The Big Tent remains committed to that higher purpose. Ours is a broad-based movement with members and partners drawn from across several political platforms and tendencies, including the Labour Party (LP), NDC, ADC, DLA, SDP, and others. This diversity is a strength,” he added.
Utomi disclosed that the coalition was already compiling a list of candidates to support across different levels of government but stressed that only one presidential candidate would eventually receive the coalition’s backing.
“However, let it be clearly understood that we shall support a single presidential candidate—one candidate around whom the energy, hopes, and votes of all who seek a new Nigeria can be consolidated,” he said.
The former presidential candidate also urged members of the coalition to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts through the ObidientConnect platform by recruiting poll centre marshals, election monitors and campaign coordinators.
“These structures are not optional. They are essential to the discipline, vigilance, coordination, and grassroots strength required to protect the people’s mandate and build an effective democratic movement,” Utomi said.
He warned supporters against discouragement and internal divisions, insisting that the coalition must remain focused on national issues rather than distractions allegedly created within the political system.
“This is not the time for fatigue, hesitation, or fragmentation. It is the time for clarity, sacrifice, and organization. History will not remember us for our complaints, but for our courage to act when the nation needed us most,” he stated.
Utomi further announced that beginning next week, the coalition would commence issue-based engagements focusing on the power sector, youth unemployment, insecurity, debt, governance and accountability.
“From next week we shall begin to focus on the issues. We must get the country to focus on the issues and accountability,” he said.
He accused political actors of using institutions such as the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission to distract the opposition.
“Too many distractions using the judiciary and INEC, and injection of scoundrels to cause disaffection in opposition rank have been allowed to set the agenda,” he alleged.
Utomi said the coalition would begin by examining the worsening electricity situation in the country.
“We will begin with power. Why is the power situation worse today. Incumbents say they should be prevented from running if they have not fixed the power. The nightmare seems to get worse,” he said.
According to him, the movement would later focus on unemployment and economic policies affecting young Nigerians.
“After two weeks of focus on power we will turn to the jobs crisis for young people and how Ponzi economics of stabilization has accelerated the pace down the road to serfdom,” he added.
He also promised that the coalition would demand accountability from both the Federal Government and state governors regarding funds generated from subsidy removal, naira devaluation and rising crude oil prices linked to conflicts in parts of the Middle East.
“These will be followed by requesting an accounting from Abuja and the state governors of all the monies from removal of subsidies, devaluation of the Naira and soaring Oil prices from the current War in parts of the Middle East,” Utomi said.
He maintained that the coalition would not only criticise the current administration but would also present practical policy alternatives.
“With every issue we will not only show how the incumbents have failed and seriously jeopardized the prospects for the next generation but provide operationalized immediately implementable policy alternatives,” he stated.
Utomi concluded the statement with a message of hope, saying, “Nigeria must work. Nigeria can work. And together, we shall help make it so.”
