A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, has defended his decision to part ways with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that he has the right to make independent political choices at any time.
Showunmi also justified his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, despite being a member of the opposition, stating that such engagement falls within his constitutional rights to association and political participation.
He had previously served as Atiku’s spokesperson during the 2019 presidential election but stepped away from the role after the poll, which was won by the late Muhammadu Buhari.
Now preparing to contest the Ogun State governorship seat, Showunmi said his political stance is guided by the principle of fairness and national stability. He argued that since the North completed eight years in power under Buhari, it is only equitable for the South to retain leadership for another term before power rotates again.
In a statement released on Sunday, he responded to criticism from Kio Amachree, President of Worldview International, dismissing allegations made against him as baseless and lacking substance.
“My visit to the President is entirely my prerogative,” Showunmi said. “It is within my constitutional rights and does not require anyone’s approval.”
He added that his past support for Atiku does not bind him permanently, stressing that politics in a democracy is dynamic and subject to change.
Showunmi further warned against the spread of unverified claims about him, noting that repeated false allegations could lead to legal action. He maintained that political influence should be judged by active participation and contribution, not distant commentary.
Reaffirming his position, he said his advocacy for power balance between the North and South is not driven by sentiment but by the need to maintain national cohesion and stability.
