By Blessing Elo Oghene
The Convener of the Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity, democratic development and the ideals championed by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.
Showunmi said the struggle to actualise the mandate of the June 12, 1993 presidential election remained a defining moment in his political journey, adding that the circumstances surrounding Abiola’s death and the annulment of the election had shaped his political convictions.
He made this known in a statement titled, “My Scar from MKO Abiola, My Sacrifice for Democracy, and My Unwavering Pan-Nigerian Conviction.”
The political figure also cautioned politicians against actions capable of threatening national stability, particularly the premature or unauthorised announcement of election results that could trigger tension and plunge the country into crisis.
“The scar in my heart from the loss of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola has not fully healed,” he said, stressing that he would neither trivialise Abiola’s sacrifice nor disregard the painful experiences that shaped Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Showunmi explained that his comments on the country’s political history had been misunderstood, insisting that his intention was to warn against political actions capable of endangering peace, violating the law or destabilising the nation.
He said his reference to the political events of 1992 was intended to demonstrate the consequences of abandoning caution, restraint and respect for the law in the pursuit of power.
“My intervention was a warning about consequences, not an invitation to recklessness,” he stated.
He urged political actors to consider the broader implications of their decisions, noting that political advice should be offered in the national interest, even though individuals ultimately determine whether to follow it.
Reaffirming his commitment to national unity, Showunmi described himself as a committed Pan-Nigerian who rejected the notion that any ethnic group was superior to another.
“I have no interest in promoting the idea that one ethnic group is superior to another,” he said.
According to him, his political philosophy is based on the collective dignity, security and prosperity of Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional backgrounds.
He urged Yoruba activists and others who disagreed with his position to consider his statements within the context of his commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
Showunmi maintained that his loyalty to the Nigerian nation would not be compromised by ethnic sentiment, sectional interests or exclusionary politics.
On the country’s political future, he reiterated his support for a power-sharing arrangement in which the presidency would rotate between the northern and southern regions.
He argued that an agreed and predictable system of power rotation could reduce political suspicion, strengthen national cohesion and promote democratic stability.
“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.
Showunmi added that such an arrangement would encourage political maturity, mutual understanding and inclusiveness in managing the country’s diversity.
Paying tribute to Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Showunmi said the late politician’s legacy remained central to Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance.
He prayed that Abiola’s sacrifice would continue to inspire Nigerians to work towards a more stable, just and enduring democracy.
“May your supreme sacrifice continue to guide Nigeria towards a more stable, just and enduring democracy. May the promise for which you paid such a terrible price never be betrayed,” he said.
Showunmi also disclosed that he would speak more extensively in the future about his personal contributions to the pro-democracy struggle and how the events surrounding Abiola influenced his political journey.
He acknowledged the role played by media entrepreneur and publisher Dele Momodu during that period, describing his contribution as significant to that chapter of Nigeria’s political history.
“I must also acknowledge Dele Momodu. May God spare his life. He played a key and pivotal role in that chapter of our history, and his contribution deserves to be remembered,” he said.
Showunmi warned against interpreting his restraint as ignorance of Nigeria’s democratic history or mistaking his commitment to national unity for a lack of personal conviction.
He reiterated that his loyalty remained with Nigeria and the democratic ideals for which Abiola sacrificed his life.
“My commitment is to Nigeria. My loyalty is to the democratic ideal. My respect for MKO Abiola’s sacrifice is enduring. And my conviction that Nigeria must survive, mature and prosper remains unshaken,” he said.
He concluded by praying for Nigeria and those working towards the country’s progress.
