Showunmi made the appeal during a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday, October 25, 2026, where he commended media professionals for their contributions to democracy and called for greater responsibility in political reporting.
He warned that the spread of fabricated stories, manipulated images and artificial intelligence-generated content could undermine public trust and threaten national stability.
According to him, journalists should hold politicians accountable regardless of their party affiliations and ensure that political campaigns focus on policies and issues rather than inflammatory statements.
He also cautioned against the use of digital manipulation and misleading information to provoke young people or encourage confrontation during the election period.
Showunmi Praises Kaduna Residents
The APC campaign council member expressed appreciation to residents of Kaduna for the reception given to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his entourage during Saturday’s presidential campaign flag-off.
He said he had been concerned by reports suggesting that the president might encounter hostility in the state but was encouraged by the turnout and atmosphere surrounding the event.
Showunmi described Kaduna as a diverse community where people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds had historically lived together. He urged political leaders to protect this tradition and prevent electoral competition from damaging relationships among communities.
Calls for Political Continuity and New Leadership
Showunmi also advocated continuity in governance, arguing that a second term for Tinubu would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing reforms and prepare younger Nigerians for future leadership responsibilities.
However, he cautioned against prolonged political ambitions that could prevent emerging leaders, particularly in Northern Nigeria, from participating meaningfully in public affairs.
He called for a more predictable approach to political succession and greater consideration of regional inclusion, while emphasising that political competition should not create unnecessary divisions.
Urges Accountability at All Levels of Government
The APC chieftain defended the Tinubu administration’s policy direction, citing infrastructure development, education financing, workers’ wages, pension payments and security as areas Nigerians should consider when assessing governance.
He argued that responsibility for addressing poverty and improving public services should be shared by federal, state and local governments.
Showunmi urged journalists to scrutinise governors and local government chairmen, particularly regarding the management of public funds and the delivery of services to residents.
On education, he highlighted the importance of financing arrangements that allow students from low-income households to pursue university education even when their parents cannot immediately afford the costs.
He also referred to reported changes in healthcare costs and improvements in workers’ welfare, although the specific claims made during the press conference would require independent verification.
Emphasises Responsible Political Reporting
Showunmi maintained that political discussions should acknowledge the country’s challenges while examining government policies and their actual effects on citizens.
He urged journalists to distinguish verified information from political claims and to challenge misleading statements regardless of whether they originated from the ruling party or the opposition.
He also encouraged political actors to make room for younger leaders and avoid rhetoric that could intensify ethnic or religious suspicion.
Concluding his address, Showunmi called for peace, national unity and professional journalism, expressing hope that Kaduna would continue to promote peaceful coexistence as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
