By Peter Akpah.
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RETURN THE FAVOUR — SHOWUNMI URGES NORTH TO BACK TINUBU’S SECOND TERM
*…Says Buhari Kept Trust, Tinubu Must Complete Eight Years*
*…Visits Emir Of Katsina, Deputy Gov, Engages TikTokers, Facebook Influencers*
*Katsina —* Otunba Segun Showunmi, leader of the Alternative Movement and a member of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign, has urged political leaders and residents of Northern Nigeria to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition, arguing that doing so would uphold the political understanding that facilitated the transition of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to Tinubu in 2023.
Showunmi said the North should reciprocate the political arrangement that allowed Buhari to complete his eight-year tenure before handing over power to Tinubu, whom he described as a political partner in building the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made the appeal on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a prayer gathering in honour of the late President Buhari at the Chawey Centre in Katsina State.
*Buhari Kept Trust, North Must Keep It*
Describing Buhari as a leader who demonstrated simplicity, discipline and respect for political agreements, Showunmi said his decision to support Tinubu’s emergence after completing his two terms reflected an understanding of political power-sharing and zoning.
He argued that the political trust Buhari left behind should be sustained by supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“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,” he said.
Showunmi further urged the people to acknowledge Tinubu’s relationship with the late president, pointing to the honour accorded Buhari by the current administration, including during his burial.
“This is the time to return the favour,” he added, while expressing optimism about the administration’s development agenda and its impact on the country.
*Courtesy Visits To Emir, Deputy Governor*
During the visit, Showunmi paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Katsina, HRH Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR, who welcomed the engagement and emphasised the importance of sustained love, peace and harmony.
He also met with the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe, who highlighted the state government’s commitment to people-oriented programmes and development projects.
*Engages Katsina TikTokers, Facebook Influencers*
The visit also featured an engagement with members of the Katsina TikTokers and Facebook Media Forum, where Showunmi called on social media influencers to deploy their platforms towards national development and constructive political engagement.
He urged them to use the achievements of political leaders as a basis for informing public discussions on continuity, governance and national progress.
The forum, led by its Chairman, Sani Salisu Danbaba, and the State Coordinator of the Alternative Movement, Umar Salisu Rimaye, pledged readiness to collaborate with Showunmi in promoting awareness of the Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes.
The social media representatives identified infrastructure, student support, economic reforms and national development as areas they intended to communicate to the public.
Showunmi welcomed the engagement and reiterated the importance of unity, purposeful leadership and the gains of democracy, urging political actors and digital influencers to make national interest central to their activities.
His appeal comes as political conversations around the 2027 general elections increasingly focus on continuity, zoning and the existing power-sharing arrangement between Nigeria’s North and South.

