Abiola's June 12 Demise Forged Showunmi's Democratic Convictions

Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Segun Showunmi, has reiterated his dedication to Nigeria's cohesion and democratic progress. Showunmi, who leads The Alternative Movement, emphasized that his contributions to the fight for democracy must not be overlooked or misconstrued. In a Thursday declaration, where he reflected on the passing of the late business mogul and politician, Moshood Abiola, he stated that the demise of the speculated victor of the June 12, 1993, presidential election left an indelible emotional mark on him. He further explained that the events surrounding Abiola's death and the battle to realize the June 12 mandate profoundly influenced his political perspectives and understanding of Nigeria's journey towards democracy.

The prominent PDP member affirmed he would neither diminish Abiola's significant sacrifice nor permit his own statements to be twisted or taken out of context. Providing clarity on his stance regarding the nation's political landscape, Showunmi cautioned political actors against actions that could destabilize the country, specifically mentioning threats to release unverified election outcomes.

Showunmi stated: “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." He continued, asserting: “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.”

Elaborating on his previous remarks, he reiterated: “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.” Showunmi further explained: “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.” He firmly concluded: “I stand by that argument. 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.”

Showunmi also affirmed that his allegiance to Nigeria surpassed ethnic concerns, refuting any insinuation that he was promoting the agendas of a particular ethnic group over others. He implored those he identified as Yoruba activists to interpret his pronouncements within the broader context of his dedication to national unity, emphasizing that he would not compromise this belief for ethnic sentiments or regional interests.

Showunmi honored Abiola, describing his legacy as intrinsically linked to Nigeria's democratic struggle, and expressed hope that his sacrifice would continue to guide the nation toward a more stable and equitable political system. He also reiterated his long-standing advocacy for a power-sharing framework in Nigeria that ensures political leadership alternates between the country's northern and southern regions. “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 stated. He added, “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-based politician further revealed plans to elaborate in the future on his involvement in the pro-democracy movement and how the events surrounding Abiola shaped his political trajectory. He also acknowledged the significant role played by media entrepreneur and politician, Dele Momodu, during that historical period in Nigeria, stating that his contributions merit recognition.

Showunmi cautioned against misinterpreting his measured approach as a lack of historical awareness or his commitment to national unity as an absence of personal conviction. He insisted that individuals cognizant of the sacrifices and political repercussions associated with Abiola's demise should not disregard his experiences or misrepresent his comprehension of those events. He concluded emphatically: “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.”