The African Reformation Party (ARP) was officially unveiled on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, October 1, 2024, in Lagos, with a bold vision to challenge the nation’s current political establishment.
The party’s Global Convener, Engr. Mutiu Kunle Okunola, declared that it was time for Nigerians to break free from the control of a small ruling elite, which he claimed comprised about 3,000 individuals who have governed the country since its inception.
During the unveiling, Engr. Okunola expressed deep dissatisfaction with the dominance of only two geopolitical zones—the North Central and South West—in Nigeria’s presidency since the return to democracy in 1999.
He noted that the political imbalance has marginalized other regions and would have persisted if not for the untimely death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua, which allowed Goodluck Jonathan from the South-South region to become president and win the 2011 election.
Okunola condemned what he described as the “unpleasant character” of the Nigerian political class, vowing to reform the system and bring relief to the Nigerian people, who he said have endured years of hardship under poor leadership.
ARP aims to register over 50 million Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections, offering free nomination forms to its members.
Okunola highlighted the party’s plans to drastically improve the nation’s minimum wage, proposing a N700,000 monthly wage—an ambitious increase from the current N70,000. He also called for the introduction of hourly wages similar to international practices.
Additionally, Okunola promised to investigate the actions of past Nigerian leaders dating back to 1960, stating that if these leaders are deceased, their children would be held accountable.
He criticized the trend of leaders’ children holding dual citizenship and only returning to Nigeria when their parents pass away.
The ARP’s agenda includes ensuring that all tribes have equal opportunities to serve the nation, with a focus on inclusivity. Okunola stated that the party would also ensure that physically challenged individuals are among those elected into office in 2027.
The unveiling of ARP signals a new political movement aimed at challenging the status quo and addressing the inequalities and issues that have plagued Nigeria’s political system for decades.