Otunba Segun Showunmi, leader of the Alternative Movement, has urged political leaders and residents of Northern Nigeria to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that it would sustain the political understanding that facilitated the transfer of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to Tinubu.
Showunmi made the appeal on Tuesday, November 10, at an Alternative Movement town hall meeting in Katsina State, where he said the North should reciprocate the political arrangement that allowed Buhari to complete his two terms before handing over to Tinubu.
He argued that Buhari’s support for Tinubu’s emergence in 2023 was built on political trust and partnership, which he said should be honoured by backing the incumbent president for a second term.
“Katsina, to me, is my second home. It is also to come and resurrect the idea that in this place where we call ‘Ma’agin Mutani Amana’, the people that used to keep trust, the trust of 2027 is where Muhammadu Buhari left it,” Showunmi said.
He described Buhari as a leader who demonstrated simplicity, discipline and respect for political agreements, adding that Tinubu had also shown respect for his predecessor, including through the honour accorded him during his burial.
“This is the time to return the favour,” he said, urging Northerners to sustain the political relationship between the two leaders.
Showunmi also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s administration, saying the president should be given another opportunity to consolidate his policies and development agenda.
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 said it would be integrated into the broader APC political structure in the state.
Kaita attributed the party’s expected electoral strength in Katsina to the performance of the state government and Tinubu’s administration, particularly the economic reforms introduced by the president.
He argued that the reforms, though challenging, were necessary and that their results were beginning to emerge.
Earlier, the Katsina State Coordinator of the Alternative Movement, Rimaya Umar Salisu Rimaye, defended the Tinubu administration’s policies, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an initiative expanding access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He also urged residents not to dismiss the administration’s efforts on insecurity, noting that the security challenges predated the current government.
Rimaye said Tinubu needed more time to consolidate his reforms, while challenging opposition politicians who claim to represent struggling Nigerians to demonstrate their contributions to addressing the country’s challenges.
He called on residents to acknowledge ongoing infrastructure and development projects while holding the government accountable for areas requiring further attention.
Showunmi had earlier held consultations with the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe and social media influencers before paying a courtesy visit to the Emir of Katsina, Alh Dr Abdulmumini Kabir Usman CFR
