PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has challenged political commentator Segun Showunmi to present evidence of improvements in Nigerians’ living conditions rather than focus on personal criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Eze’s position followed Showunmi’s recent remarks describing Atiku as having an “Emir complex” and questioning the former vice president’s ability to understand the hardship experienced by ordinary Nigerians.
In a statement dated October 26, 2026, Eze accused Showunmi of engaging in political opportunism and argued that the debate over Nigeria’s economic difficulties should centre on policies, governance and the welfare of citizens.
The ADC chieftain, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), said political disagreements should not become an excuse for personal attacks against opposition figures.
He maintained that Atiku’s record in public service did not disqualify him from participating in national discussions about poverty, insecurity and economic hardship.
Eze also questioned why politicians speaking about the difficulties facing Nigerians should attract criticism, insisting that public debate should focus on the country’s pressing challenges.
“If Showunmi has anything meaningful to contribute to the national debate, let him address the devastating cost of living, the threatening spate of insecurity, the deepening poverty and the widespread economic woes confronting Nigerians,” Eze said.
He argued that the rising cost of essential goods and services, alongside concerns about security and household welfare, deserved more attention from political actors than exchanges involving personal accusations.
Eze further challenged Showunmi to explain how President Bola Tinubu’s administration intended to address the economic pressures confronting citizens.
Describing the administration’s performance as disappointing, the ADC chieftain said the government should be judged by measurable improvements in living standards, economic stability and public safety.
He argued that political support for the president should be accompanied by clear explanations of government policies and their impact on ordinary Nigerians.
Eze defends Atiku, Amaechi
The ADC chieftain also defended Atiku and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, whom he identified as opposition figures entitled to speak on poverty and the state of the economy.
Eze rejected the suggestion that previous participation in government should automatically prevent political leaders from commenting on current national challenges.
According to him, experience in public office should enable politicians to contribute to discussions about governance and propose solutions to problems confronting the country.
He urged Showunmi to direct his arguments towards policy issues and explain why he believes the current administration’s approach is producing the desired results.
Eze also criticised what he described as a pattern of political commentary focused on opposition figures rather than the performance of those in government.
“Nigerians deserve arguments, not insults; solutions, not smear campaign; and responsible political engagement,” he said.
2027 election and accountability
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Eze said Nigerians would have an opportunity to assess the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and decide whether the administration had adequately addressed their concerns.
He argued that political alliances, public endorsements and campaign messaging would not be sufficient to secure voters’ confidence without demonstrable improvements in their daily lives.
According to him, questions about food prices, transportation costs, electricity, education, poverty and insecurity should feature prominently in political campaigns.
Eze maintained that the administration and its supporters should respond to public concerns with evidence of achievements and clear plans for addressing outstanding problems.
He urged voters to scrutinise the records and policy proposals of political parties before making their choices in 2027.
The statement represents Eze’s position in the political dispute. Showunmi’s response to the allegations was not included in the statement supplied for this report.
