```html Metuh Confirms Omokri's Role in Showunmi's Appointment to Atiku's Team Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has corroborated claims by Reno Omokri regarding his involvement in the appointment of Segun Showunmi as a spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The confirmation provides clarity on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Atiku's 2019 presidential campaign team.

Metuh, in a phone conversation with journalists on Tuesday, affirmed that Omokri contacted him in 2018 seeking recommendations for a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar's campaign. This confirmation follows Omokri's earlier assertions about his role in hiring Showunmi, initially revealed during an appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast.

Metuh's Recommendation According to Metuh, his initial thought was to recommend Deji Adeyanju, a prominent activist. However, Adeyanju's departure from the PDP led Metuh to suggest Segun Showunmi instead.

"When Reno called me to recommend someone for Atiku, I initially thought of Deji Adeyanju, but I remembered that he had left the PDP. Then, I remembered Segun, so I recommended him to Reno," Metuh stated.

Metuh added that he instructed Showunmi to contact Omokri, which he subsequently did.

"I told him to call Reno, and he called Reno, and that was it," he explained.

Omokri's Account and Potential Documentary Evidence Omokri had previously stated that he not only recommended Showunmi but also negotiated his salary and coordinated his appointment. He emphasized his meticulous record-keeping and threatened to release documentary evidence should his claims be disputed.

"If I am nothing at all, I am a meticulous record keeper," Omokri wrote in a Facebook post. "I do not want to be forced to publish documentary evidence. I would rather not. But if I have to, then I can."

Dismissing Controversy Metuh downplayed any potential controversy surrounding the appointment process. He stated that there was "absolutely no controversy" about the matter and noted that neither Omokri nor Showunmi were currently members of the PDP.

Historical Context and Political Implications The clarification of Showunmi's appointment process sheds light on the internal dynamics and recruitment strategies within the PDP during the lead-up to the 2019 presidential election. Understanding these processes is crucial for analyzing the PDP's campaign strategies and the roles played by key figures like Omokri and Metuh.

Dr. Adebayo Williams, a political analyst at the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies, commented on the significance of such appointments: "Spokespersons play a vital role in shaping public perception and disseminating campaign messages. The selection process, therefore, reflects the priorities and strategic thinking of the campaign leadership. Transparency in these appointments is essential for maintaining public trust."

The Role of Spokespersons in Political Campaigns Political spokespersons are crucial in shaping public opinion and managing communication during campaigns. They act as the voice of the candidate, articulating their policies, responding to criticisms, and engaging with the media.

According to Professor Fatima Hassan, a communications expert at Lagos Business School, "A spokesperson's credibility and communication skills can significantly impact a candidate's image and electability. Therefore, the selection of a spokesperson is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration of their experience, expertise, and alignment with the candidate's values."

The confirmation from Metuh and Omokri provides a clearer understanding of the considerations that went into selecting Segun Showunmi as a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar's 2019 presidential campaign. ```