By Omobolaji Adekunle

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Otunba Segun Showunmi has issued a sharp rebuttal to a critic identified as Kio, describing an open letter circulating online as “long on theatrics and short on restraint.”

In his response titled “Re: Open Letter from Kio,” Showunmi dismissed claims questioning his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu. He said the engagement was a personal decision within his constitutional rights.

“My visit to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is entirely my prerogative. It falls squarely within my constitutional rights to association and political participation,” Showunmi wrote.

He pushed back on suggestions that Kio’s lineage gave him authority to challenge his conduct, stating that “no heritage, however distinguished, creates jurisdiction over Nigerian citizenship or political engagement.”

On political alignment, Showunmi noted that his support for Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election does not bind him indefinitely. “I supported Atiku Abubakar under the PDP because I believed in that candidacy at the time. That support does not bind me in perpetuity,” he said, adding that democratic politics requires flexibility.

Showunmi also addressed “speculative and unsupported” allegations involving corporate dealings and individuals, including Seyi Tinubu, warning that such claims could have legal consequences if repeated without evidence.

Responding to references to Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury and allegations linked to the Sani Abacha era, he stressed that “allegation is not conviction” and only courts of competent jurisdiction can determine guilt.

He dismissed threats of litigation, calling courts “forums for evidence, not rhetorical intimidation,” and said anyone making claims must be ready to substantiate them legally.

While acknowledging Kio’s father’s legacy, Showunmi said it does not validate the claims made, adding that legacy demands “discipline, clarity, and intellectual honesty.”

He closed by ruling out further exchanges. “I have no interest in a back-and-forth. It is a waste of time. I have an election to plan,” he said.