In a rare gesture from Nigeria’s political opposition, Segun Showunmi, a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its progress on road infrastructure, while urging Nigerians to avoid spreading divisive misinformation.
Showunmi made his remarks during an inspection tour of the Suleja-Minna road on Saturday alongside Minister of Works David Umahi, Minister of State for Works Bello Goronyo, and Senate Committee on Works Chairman, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi.
“All eyes have been on the Minister of Works due to the critical role roads play,” Showunmi said. “Even though I’m in opposition, I say thank you to Mr President for what has been done. We’re hopeful for more.”
The former spokesperson to PDP’s 2019 presidential candidate noted he had initially raised concerns about several major projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, but was satisfied after seeking clarification.
Showunmi warned against unverified attacks on government, stressing that democracy requires constructive engagement rather than constant condemnation. “Our democracy isn’t a licence to shame our own country or turn citizens against each other,” he remarked.
Minister Umahi praised Showunmi’s openness, calling it a “new dawn in our politics” where opposition parties engage through dialogue instead of hostility. Umahi outlined the administration’s commitment to durable road infrastructure, built to last a century, and highlighted consistent standards across projects nationwide.
Umahi further announced the termination of Salini Nigeria Limited’s original contract for the Suleja-Minna road due to poor execution. The company has been directed to use funds owed to government to complete part of the project, with the EFCC set to intervene if compliance fails.
Senator Nwaebonyi and Minister Goronyo also applauded Showunmi’s approach. Goronyo said, “It is rare to see opposition figures leave their comfort zones to see what government is achieving instead of criticising blindly.”
They urged citizens to stay informed and recognise the broader vision of Tinubu’s government, which prioritises economic transformation and infrastructure as pillars of national development.
