‘ABIOLA’S DEATH SHAPED MY BELIEF IN DEMOCRACY, THE SCAR HAS NOT HEALED’ —SHOWUNMI

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State and Convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and democratic development, declaring that the death of the late Chief MKO Abiola and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election left an indelible mark on his political convictions.

The Showunmi Abiola democracy remarks were contained in a statement titled “My Scar from MKO Abiola, My Sacrifice for Democracy, and My Unwavering Pan-Nigerian Conviction,” made available to journalists in Abeokuta.

THE ABIOLA LEGACY

Showunmi said the circumstances surrounding Abiola’s death and the annulment of the historic election had shaped his thinking and redirected his political journey.

“The scar in my heart from the loss of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola has not fully healed,” Showunmi said.

He stressed that his remarks on the country’s political history had been misunderstood by some people, insisting that his intention was to caution against political conduct that could endanger peace, violate the law or destabilise the nation.

“I invoked the events of 1992 to illustrate how political situations can spiral out of control when caution, restraint and respect for the law are abandoned,” he said.

He maintained that his intervention was intended as a warning about the consequences of political decisions, not an endorsement of reckless conduct.

“My intervention was a warning about consequences, not an invitation to recklessness, and I will not permit reactionary forces to turn my counsel into something it was never intended to be,” he stated .

THE WARNING TO POLITICIANS

Showunmi cautioned political actors against actions capable of undermining national stability, particularly the premature or unauthorised announcement of election results.

He urged political contestants to consider the wider implications of their actions, warning that decisions taken without regard for the law and national stability could have far-reaching consequences for the country.

“Abiola’s supreme sacrifice should continue to guide Nigeria towards a more stable, just and enduring democracy whose promise must never be betrayed,” he said .

“I AM A PAN-NIGERIAN”

ADVERTISEMENT

Showunmi declared that his political convictions were not driven by ethnic considerations and rejected any suggestion that he subscribed to the superiority of one ethnic group over another.

“I must also state, unequivocally, that I am a Pan-Nigerian through and through. I have no interest in promoting the idea that one ethnic group is superior to another,” he said .

He explained that his political philosophy was rooted in the collective dignity, security and prosperity of Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional backgrounds.

“My words and actions must be understood within the framework of my commitment to the Nigerian nation. I will not subordinate that commitment to ethnic sentiment, sectional advantage or the politics of exclusion,” he said.

THE POWER ROTATION PROPOSAL

Showunmi reiterated his support for a power-sharing arrangement under which the presidency would rotate between the northern and southern parts of the country.

“I have long expressed the view that Nigeria should manage political power through a pendulum arrangement between the Northern and Southern parts of the country,” he said.

“In my considered opinion, a predictable and mutually respected understanding of power rotation offers a framework for reducing suspicion, strengthening national cohesion and sustaining our democratic journey”.

WHY IT MATTERS

Showunmi’s statement is a reminder that the June 12 struggle is not merely history. It is a living political memory that continues to shape the convictions of those who lived through it.

His warning against reckless political conduct, particularly the premature announcement of results, is timely as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.

And his call for power rotation between North and South reflects a persistent debate about how to manage Nigeria’s diversity and reduce political tension.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Showunmi remains a vocal voice in Nigeria’s political discourse.