Otunba Segun Showunmi, leader of the Alternative Movement, has called on political leaders and residents of Northern Nigeria to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, saying it would honour the political understanding that facilitated the transition from former President Muhammadu Buhari to Tinubu in 2023.
Showunmi made the appeal on Tuesday, November 10, during a town hall meeting organised by the Alternative Movement in Katsina State. He argued that the North should reciprocate the political support Buhari gave Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election by backing the incumbent president for a second term.
According to him, Buhari demonstrated political trust and commitment by supporting Tinubu’s emergence after completing his two terms in office, adding that the understanding should be sustained.
He described the late former president as a leader known for simplicity, discipline and respect for political agreements, while noting that Tinubu had also demonstrated respect for his predecessor, including the honour accorded him during his burial.
“This is the time to return the favour,” Showunmi said, urging Northerners to maintain the political relationship between the two leaders.
He further expressed confidence in Tinubu’s administration, insisting that the president deserved another opportunity to consolidate his policies and development agenda.
Speaking at the event, the Katsina State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Dr. Faisal Umar Kaita, who represented the state government, pledged support for the Alternative Movement and announced plans to integrate the group into the broader All Progressives Congress (APC) political structure in the state.
Kaita attributed the APC’s anticipated electoral strength in Katsina to the performance of the state government and the Tinubu administration, particularly the president’s economic reforms, which he described as necessary despite the challenges associated with their implementation.
Earlier, the Katsina State Coordinator of the Alternative Movement, Rimaya Umar Salisu Rimaye, defended the federal government’s policies, highlighting the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an initiative providing greater access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He also urged residents to acknowledge the government’s efforts in tackling insecurity, noting that the security challenges confronting the country predated the Tinubu administration.
Rimaye maintained that Tinubu needed more time to consolidate his reforms and challenged opposition politicians who claim to represent struggling Nigerians to demonstrate their contributions towards addressing the country’s challenges.
He also called on residents to recognise ongoing infrastructure and development projects while continuing to hold the government accountable in areas requiring improvement.
Before the town hall meeting, Showunmi held consultations with Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe, and some social media influencers. He also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR.
