ABEOKUTA- A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Showunmi says keeping power in the South beyond 2027 is essential for preserving the country’s political balance and honouring an unwritten understanding that has helped stabilise Nigeria’s democracy.
He spoke on Monday in Abeokuta during the “Guest Forum” organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council.
Showunmi said Nigeria’s history as a union of the former Northern and Southern Protectorates makes it important for leaders to respect the idea of timing and rotation.
He noted that while he holds former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in high regard, the political moment requires a clear appreciation of the country’s power-sharing rhythm.
“I love Atiku but I am afraid he’s a man who does not understand the concept of seasons and time,” Showunmi, who was a spokesman for Atiku, said.
He explained that since the North held the presidency for eight years under Muhammadu Buhari, many Nigerians expect the South to retain the position in the current cycle.
Showunmi added that although political disagreements in the South are inevitable, they do not change the wider expectation that the region should still produce the president at this time.
He also cautioned that any move to push power back to the North in 2027 could create unnecessary strain, particularly among southern and Middle Belt groups that see rotation as a matter of fairness.
Speaking on Atiku’s possible ambition in 2027, he said “I love Atiku but I am afraid he’s a man who does not understand the concept of seasons and time.
“But if he understands seasons and time, he would know, and he ought to know, that an amalgamated country called Southern Protectorate and Northern Protectorate must run on the pendulum system.
“When it swung to the North, Buhari did his eight years, now it has swung to the South. You can quarrel among yourselves in the South but it will have to remain in the South otherwise if the North is not very careful, there will be a locking up of the South and the MiddleBelt and when they (North) insist that it will always be their turn, when it is not their turn, then maybe when it becomes their turn, it will not be their turn.”
Speaking on the Alternative Movement, Showunmi explained that the platform is not a political party but a civic platform aimed at encouraging wider participation in politics, especially among young people. Broader involvement, he said, is essential for building a stronger democracy.
Earlier, Acting Chairman of the Chapel, Peter Moses, said the “Guest Forum” was designed to create avenues for constructive public engagement with policymakers and influential voices on issues that affect society.
He noted that journalists have a duty beyond daily reporting to facilitate conversations that help deepen democratic values.
