Otunba Segun Showunmi, chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State and convener of The Alternative Movement, has delivered a fiery critique of Nigeria’s political leadership, calling out governors and local government leaders for failing to meet the expectations of their people.
In a discourse on national issues, Showunmi warned against what he described as a dangerous fixation on President Bola Tinubu’s name, urging citizens to redirect their energy toward holding state and local leaders accountable.
“Sit there and be screaming Tinubu’s name instead of asking your governors and local government leaders to please shape up,” he declared, stressing that governance must be felt at the grassroots, not just at the federal level.
Showunmi cited examples across the country to drive home his point. He praised the lingering “Akpabio effect” in Akwa Ibom, questioned the sustainability of Peter Obi’s legacy in Anambra, and acknowledged Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s efforts in Adamawa, contrasting them with what he described as Atiku Abubakar’s tendency toward personal acquisition.
His remarks underscore a broader frustration with Nigeria’s political culture, where citizens often focus on the presidency while overlooking the failures of governors and local government chairmen who directly impact daily life.
Political observers note that Showunmi’s intervention reflects growing calls for decentralization of accountability in Nigeria’s democracy. By spotlighting state-level governance, he is pushing for a shift in public consciousness—one that demands performance from leaders across all tiers of government.
