“Abiola’s Death and June 12 Struggle Shaped My Political Convictions” — Showunmi

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, has said the death of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the struggle to actualise the June 12, 1993, presidential election mandate significantly influenced his political beliefs and commitment to democracy.

Showunmi, who convenes The Alternative Movement, said his experiences during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle should not be dismissed or misrepresented, stressing that his commitment to national unity remains unwavering.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the politician reflected on Abiola’s death and its lasting impact on his understanding of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He said the circumstances surrounding the death of the businessman and politician, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, left a lasting emotional mark on him.

According to Showunmi, the sacrifices associated with the struggle for democracy remain significant, and he would not allow his contributions or statements to be taken out of context.

He also cautioned political actors against taking actions that could threaten national stability, particularly the release of unverified election results in ways that could lead to disorder or conflict with the law.

“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 said.

Showunmi explained that his reference to events in 1992 was intended to demonstrate how political tensions could escalate when restraint, caution and respect for the law were abandoned.

He maintained that his comments were meant to warn against potential consequences rather than encourage reckless political 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 added.

Showunmi Reaffirms Commitment to National Unity

The PDP chieftain also rejected suggestions that his political positions were designed to advance the interests of one ethnic group over others.

He urged Yoruba activists to consider his statements in the context of his commitment to Nigeria’s unity, insisting that national interests should take precedence over ethnic considerations.

Showunmi paid tribute to Abiola, describing his memory as inseparable from Nigeria’s struggle for democracy. He also expressed hope that Abiola’s sacrifice would continue to inspire efforts towards building a more stable and just political system.

The politician further reiterated his support for a power-sharing arrangement that would allow political leadership to rotate between northern and southern Nigeria.

According to him, an established and mutually respected understanding on power rotation could reduce political suspicion, promote national cohesion and support democratic development.

“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,” 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.”

Politician Promises Further Account of Pro-Democracy Struggle

Showunmi disclosed that he intends to speak more extensively in the future about his contributions to Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle and the influence of events surrounding Abiola on his political journey.

He also acknowledged the role played by media entrepreneur and politician Dele Momodu during that period, saying his contributions deserved recognition.

The Ogun State politician warned against interpreting his restraint as a lack of historical understanding or viewing his commitment to national unity as an absence of personal conviction.

He maintained that his experiences during the struggle for democracy should not be disregarded by those familiar with the political consequences of Abiola’s death.

“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.