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Political figure Segun Showunmi attributed the failure of the North Central geopolitical zone to produce an elected Nigerian president to political disunity, weak voter mobilization and what he described as a poor understanding of the country’s power dynamics.
Showunmi, national coordinator of the alternative movement and member of the presidential campaign’s media and communications team, made the remarks during a press conference in Makurdi, Benue State.
He argued that the region needs stronger political cooperation, strategic negotiations and greater electoral participation to improve its influence in national politics.
Showunmi attributes North Central presidential setback to disunity
According to Showunmi, political divisions between leaders and communities have weakened the North Central region’s ability to effectively negotiate for national leadership positions.
He argued that the region had considerable political potential but had not consistently translated its population and voting strength into coordinated political influence.
The politician identified a lack of unity and an inadequate understanding of electoral calculations as the main obstacles.
According to him, winning the presidency in a democratic system requires the ability to build alliances, mobilize voters and negotiate with political stakeholders across the country.
Showunmi contrasted electoral competition with military intervention, emphasizing that political authority in a democracy is determined through constitutional processes.
His remarks focused on the importance of political organization rather than relying solely on regional identity or expectations of power rotation.
Benue’s 3.05 million registered voters could strengthen regional influence
Showunmi pointed to Benue State’s 3.05 million registered voters as an example of the electoral resources available to the North Central region.
He argued that a high level of voter participation could strengthen the state’s position in national political negotiations.
According to him, the ability to mobilize millions of voters would make Benue an important consideration for political parties and presidential candidates seeking broad electoral support.
However, data on registered voters does not automatically translate into votes cast or support for a particular political candidate.
Actual electoral influence depends on voter turnout, voter preferences, competition between parties and the distribution of votes among constituencies.
Showunmi encouraged political leaders and residents to reduce internal disagreements and pursue common development goals.
Showunmi urges Benue leaders to prioritize unity amid security challenges
The convener of the Alternative Movement also addressed the humanitarian and security challenges affecting Benue State.
He said the state security situation has attracted the attention of international organizations and foreign governments.
According to Showunmi, Benue should use this attention to demonstrate its commitment to peaceful engagement, responsible leadership and development.
He warned that political and community disagreements could complicate efforts to address insecurity and improve living conditions.
The politician urged residents and leaders to avoid actions that could aggravate internal divisions.
He argued that cooperation between communities and institutions was essential to achieving lasting stability.
Showunmi defends Tinubu’s economic reforms despite public challenges
Turning to the national economy, Showunmi defended the economic reforms introduced under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
It argued that the measures were intended to address long-standing weaknesses in public finances and improve revenue generation.
Showunmi acknowledged that Nigerians have faced economic hardship following the reforms, but argued that increased revenues available to the three levels of government could support development and economic activity.
He suggested that improving public finances could strengthen the ability of federal, state and local authorities to finance projects and services.
His assessment reflects his stated position on reforms. The extent to which increased government revenues translate into improved living standards depends on spending decisions, inflation, the provision of public services and broader economic conditions.
State Police could improve security response, Showunmi says
Showunmi also expressed support for the proposed establishment of the state police, describing decentralized policing as a possible way to strengthen local security.
He argued that statewide police organizations could recruit officers who are familiar with the communities they serve.
Such local knowledge, he said, could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community engagement and support faster responses to security threats.
However, he stressed that the proposal would require an adequate legal framework and effective coordination with national security institutions.
The debate over the state police remains an important constitutional and governance issue in Nigeria, involving issues of accountability, funding, operational independence and protection against political abuse.
Showunmi highlights military recruitment and international security cooperation
The politician also commented on the federal government’s response to insecurity.
He said the Tinubu administration has taken measures to expand military formations, improve recruitment opportunities and strengthen coordination among security agencies.
Showunmi also cited Nigeria’s security relations with the United States, United Kingdom, France, Türkiye and Germany as part of efforts to enhance national security capabilities.
He argued that addressing insurgency and other security threats requires sustained intelligence gathering, adequate staffing and cooperation among relevant institutions.
The effectiveness of these measures, however, should be evaluated through independently verified safety findings and operational data.
The presidential debate in the Center-North raises questions about political representation
Showunmi’s remarks have renewed attention on the political representation of Nigeria’s north-central geopolitical zone.
The region includes Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states, while the Federal Capital Territory is commonly included in geopolitical discussions over the area.
Although North Central politicians have occupied prominent positions at the national level, the region has not produced an elected president under Nigeria’s current Fourth Republic.
Showunmi argued that greater political cooperation and strategic engagement could improve the region’s future prospects.
His comments also reflect broader debates about regional inclusion, democratic participation and the distribution of political influence in Nigeria.
The politician concluded by urging Benue residents to address internal disagreements and work towards peaceful coexistence, greater security and sustainable development.
