Showunmi Reflects on Abiola's Death and Democracy in Nigeria

A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and democratic progress.

Showunmi, who is the convener of The Alternative Movement, stated that his sacrifices during the fight for democracy should not be overlooked or misrepresented.

In a statement on Thursday, he reflected on the death of the late businessman and politician, Moshood Abiola. He said the loss of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election has left a lasting emotional scar on him.

He explained that the events around Abiola’s death and the struggle to realize the June 12 mandate deeply influenced his political beliefs and his view of Nigeria’s democratic path.

Showunmi made it clear that he would not downplay Abiola’s sacrifice or let others twist his comments.

He warned that political leaders should avoid actions that could throw the country into chaos, especially by threatening to release unverified election results.

He said: "The scar in my heart from the loss of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola has not fully healed. His death and the circumstances surrounding the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate left an indelible mark on my life.

"I have therefore neither anything to prove about my sacrifices for Nigeria nor any reason to pretend that I do not understand the cost of the democratic journey we have travelled. I will neither make light of MKO Abiola’s grave sacrifice nor allow anyone to distort my words or misrepresent my intentions.

"Let me restate what I said. None of the contestants, particularly those threatening to release unverified election results in circumstances that could plunge the country into chaos, should be encouraged to take any action that could bring them into conflict with the law or endanger our national stability."

He added, "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. Students of history understand the point I was making."

Showunmi emphasized that his comments were a warning about possible consequences, not an invitation to recklessness. He said he would not allow others to misrepresent his message.

He also stated that his commitment to Nigeria goes beyond ethnic lines, rejecting any notion that he was favoring one ethnic group over another.

Showunmi urged Yoruba activists to see his statements in the light of his commitment to national unity. He stressed that he would not let his beliefs be swayed by ethnic feelings or sectional interests.

He paid tribute to Abiola, saying his memory is tied to Nigeria’s democratic struggle. He prayed that Abiola’s sacrifice would inspire the country toward a stable and fair political system.

He reiterated his long-held view that Nigeria should have a power-sharing agreement to rotate political power between the North and South.

He said, "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."

In his opinion, a clear understanding of power rotation could help reduce political suspicion, strengthen national unity and support democratic growth.

Showunmi 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."

The Ogun politician mentioned that he would share more about his role in the pro-democracy movement in the future. He also acknowledged media entrepreneur and politician, Dele Momodu, for his contributions during that time in Nigeria’s history.

Showunmi cautioned against interpreting his restraint as a lack of understanding of history or his dedication to national unity as a lack of personal belief.

He said those who know the sacrifices and political impacts from Abiola’s death should not overlook his experiences or misinterpret his understanding of those events.

"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.