Omoyele Sowore has publicly criticized former University of Lagos (UNILAG) colleague Segun Showunmi for what he describes as political double standards, following Showunmi's recent appearance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Sowore, Showunmi had reached out to him after the 2023 presidential election, expressing dissatisfaction with the nation's direction under Tinubu's administration and proposing a unified opposition front against the ruling elite.
In his statement, Sowore recalled their shared history at Henry Carr Hall near the Akoka gate of UNILAG, where he observed Showunmi's political behavior firsthand. "While Segun Showunmi demonstrated exceptional ability in mobilizing students through his rhetoric, he consistently avoided leadership responsibilities during student actions, always providing excuses," Sowore stated.
Sowore claimed he had questioned whether Showunmi would maintain his resolve when confronting the Tinubu administration, as previously suggested, but received no response. The activist expressed little surprise at seeing Showunmi in what he termed "photo-ops" with President Tinubu in Lagos, referring to such figures as "'opposition figures' in coalition talks."
Public Reaction
The revelation has sparked debate among political observers. One commentator defended Showunmi, suggesting that "student unionism often serves as a platform for learning about leadership" but that "in real life politics, the stakes are higher, and the issues are more complex and nuanced."
The commenter added that "true maturity involves applying that understanding to the larger, more intricate world outside campus," implying that Showunmi's current political positioning demonstrates a pragmatic evolution beyond campus politics.
This public exchange highlights the often complex relationships between former student activists who later pursue different paths in national politics, raising questions about consistency in political principles versus pragmatic engagement.
As of publication time, Showunmi has not publicly responded to Sowore's allegations about his political consistency.
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