A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, has warned political actors against actions capable of threatening Nigeria’s stability, saying the country’s democratic journey must not be allowed to descend into crisis.
Showunmi, who is also the convener of The Alternative Movement, said his belief in democracy was deeply influenced by the death of the late businessman and politician, Moshood Abiola, and the struggle to actualise the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate.
He said the experience left a lasting impact on his understanding of the sacrifices made in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to him, political disagreements must be handled with caution and respect for the law, particularly when such actions could create tension or threaten national peace.
Showunmi specifically cautioned against attempts by political contestants to release election results that have not been officially verified, warning that such actions could create unnecessary instability.
He said his earlier comments on the issue were intended as a warning about the consequences of political recklessness and not an encouragement of any action against democratic participation.
The PDP chieftain also rejected suggestions that his political views were motivated by ethnic considerations, stressing that his commitment was to Nigeria and the democratic ideal.
Showunmi further advocated a power-sharing arrangement between the northern and southern parts of the country, arguing that predictable rotation of political power could reduce suspicion and strengthen national unity.
He said such an arrangement could provide a framework for managing political competition and sustaining Nigeria’s democratic development.
Showunmi also paid tribute to Abiola, saying the late politician’s sacrifice remained inseparable from Nigeria’s struggle for democracy.
He added that he would continue to speak about his experiences during the pro-democracy struggle and how Abiola’s death influenced his political convictions.
