WordStage– Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, a prominent opposition leader, has warned ex-Vice President Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, against spreading misinformation regarding his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu.
Following a defense of his political independence, Showunmi threatened to expose sensitive documentation if accusations of betrayal continue, signalling a deepening divide within the opposition.
Showunmi is a Nigerian politician, public affairs analyst, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, and currently a leading aspirant for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
In a strongly worded statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Showunmi, once a prominent spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar said he would no longer tolerate what he described as fabrications tied to his name.
The post was triggered by Ibe’s apparent endorsement of an open letter by Kio Amachree, which criticized Showunmi’s recent defence of businessman Gilbert Chagoury over allegations of political influence and contract dealings.
Showunmi dismissed the claims against him as false and misleading, accusing Ibe of speaking authoritatively on matters he does not fully understand.
He warned that any further attempts to associate him with what he termed undefendable narratives would prompt a detailed public response backed by verifiable facts, timelines, and context.
The former campaign spokesman said his restraint so far had been out of respect for family ties connected to Titi Atiku Abubakar and her children, but cautioned that such patience was not unlimited.
His closing remarks, hinting at a willingness to unmask Atiku underscore the increasingly personal tone of the dispute.
Showunmi recently formally declared his intention to run for the seat of governor, advocating for a competitive process over what he terms coronation arrangements.
He is also the convener of The Alternative Movement, a group focused on grassroots engagement and restoring faith in democratic institutions
Showunmi gained national prominence as the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaigns, specifically during the 2019 and 2023 election cycles.
While long associated with Atiku, he recently defended his right to make independent political choices and expressed a willingness to work with President Bola Tinubu and recently met with him to understand his policies, though he remains a PDP member.
He previously served as the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
He is a frequent guest on political programs, such as Channels Television’s “Politics Today”, where he provides analysis on national and state governance.
