Is Showunmi implying Abiola committed treason? 2027 warning sparks questions

Former Atiku Abubakar ally Segun Showunmi has warned opposition presidential candidates against declaring themselves winners of the 2027 election before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces official results.

Showunmi cited the experience of late businessman and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose presumed victory in the June 12, 1993 presidential election was annulled by the military government.

According to Global Tribune, Showunmi issued the warning in a video circulating on Saturday, urging politicians to avoid actions that could attract serious legal consequences.

“Anybody who attempts to declare himself will be taken for treason,” he said.

Showunmi recalled that Abiola was detained under General Sani Abacha’s military government after declaring himself president in 1994.

He argued that no presidential aspirant currently possessed Abiola’s political standing to justify taking similar action.

The politician maintained that INEC remained the legally recognised authority responsible for announcing presidential election results.

He also cautioned opposition candidates against threatening to reject official results or independently announce alternative figures.

Showunmi stressed that politicians dissatisfied with election outcomes should pursue their grievances through established legal channels rather than take unilateral actions.

His comments come as political parties and presidential hopefuls intensify preparations for the 2027 general election.

The warning also revives memories of the controversial June 12 election, widely regarded as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Showunmi urged candidates to respect electoral procedures, warning that premature declarations could create unnecessary political and legal confrontations.

He maintained that adherence to the law remained essential to protecting electoral credibility and avoiding disputes.

Did Showunmi imply that Abiola committed treason?

Yes, indirectly—but he did not explicitly say Abiola was guilty of treason.

Showunmi’s warning draws a parallel between Abiola’s 1994 declaration and the consequences opposition candidates might face in 2027.

Importantly, Abiola was charged with treason by the Abacha military government after his Epetedo declaration. However, being charged with treason is not the same as being convicted of it. The historical court records document the charges, not a finding that Abiola was guilty.

A more accurate interpretation is that Showunmi was invoking Abiola’s prosecution as a warning, rather than necessarily declaring that Abiola committed treason.