UNGA absence: Tinubu is fit, shun hate speech – Showunmi tells Nigerians

Segun Sowunmi, founder of The Alternative, cautioned Nigerians against engaging in self-loathing and disseminating negativity about President Bola Tinubu's health, declaring the President is physically and mentally fit. During a town hall meeting in Ogun State's Ijebu North East Local Government Area, Sowunmi urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors and hate speech.

He lamented that some Nigerians only celebrate when there is bad news about the country, rather than acknowledging progress and investments. Sowunmi refuted claims that Tinubu skipped the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) due to medical reasons and is unfit to run for re-election, stating the President himself dismissed the rumors as mere politics.

He argued that the Vice President's attendance is equivalent to the President's, as the UNGA is largely a recorded presence event. Sowunmi questioned the President's decision to forgo significant investments, like $700 billion gas and a $17 billion seaport project in Ogun State, to attend the UN. He accused opposition presidential hopefuls of rejoicing only at minor challenges, rather than celebrating progress.

Sowunmi encouraged Nigerians to ignore detractors and focus on unity and positive engagement to attract development and make their votes matter in national politics. He reiterated his backing for Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun East, stating that the district cannot afford to undermine the senatorial election. Sowunmi emphasized that Abiodun's ties to the business community and the Presidency would benefit Ogun East and the state, urging voters in Ijebu North East and Sagamu to support him.

He added that Ogun State, with nearly three million voters, could rival Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna and must deliver a strong vote for Tinubu in 2027.