Showunmi responds to critic, defends Tinubu’s visit, political choices

A Peoples Democratic Party leader, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has issued a strongly worded rebuttal to a critic identified as Kio, rejecting what he described as “theatrics” and “vain boasting” in an open letter circulating online.

In the response titled “Re: Open Letter from Kio”, Showunmi rejected allegations of impropriety regarding her recent engagement with President Bola Tinubu, insisting that her actions are within her constitutional rights.

“Your letter is long on drama and short on moderation,” Showunmi wrote, adding that the critic’s intervention was loaded with “sweeping statements” but lacking in substance.

He also rejected any suggestion that Kio’s lineage confers the authority to question his public conduct, stressing that “no heritage, however distinct, creates jurisdiction over Nigerian citizenship or political engagement.”

Showunmi defended her visit to the President, saying it was a personal decision and not subject to external approval.

“My visit to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is entirely my prerogative. It falls squarely within my constitutional rights of association and political participation,” he said.

On his political alignment, the PDP chief maintained that his past support for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential elections does not bind him indefinitely, stressing that democratic politics requires flexibility.

“I supported Atiku Abubakar under the PDP because I believed in that candidacy at the time. That support does not bind me forever,” he said, describing political decision-making as dynamic rather than rigid.

Showunmi further criticized her opponent’s comment from abroad, noting that while geographic location does not invalidate opinions, it does not elevate them above scrutiny.

He also issued a warning over what he called “speculative and unsupported” allegations relating to corporate dealings and individuals, including Seyi Tinubu, saying such claims could result in legal consequences if repeated without evidence.

Referring to Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury, Showunmi argued that historic allegations related to the era of former head of state Sani Abacha do not constitute evidence of wrongdoing in the absence of legal conviction.

“Indictment is not conviction,” he said, noting that only courts of competent jurisdiction have the authority to determine guilt or responsibility.

He also rejected threats of legal action from his critic, describing the courts as “forums for evidence, not rhetorical intimidation”, and insisted that anyone making claims must be prepared to substantiate them under legal scrutiny.

While acknowledging Kio’s father’s legacy, Showunmi argued that this does not validate the claims made in the letter, adding that the legacy imposes a higher obligation of “discipline, clarity and intellectual honesty.”

The PDP supporter concluded by ruling out further exchanges on the topic, saying he remained focused on his political ambitions.

“I have no interest in a back and forth. It’s a waste of time. I have an election to plan,” he said.

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