A high ranking chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has shared bold perspectives on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the opposition’s 2027 political strategies, and the internal dynamics of his party, reaffirming loyalty to the PDP while hinting at personal political ambitions ahead of the next general elections.
Speaking on this week’s edition of the Mic on Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Sowunmi dismissed the significance of the coalition led by Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, and Gabriel Suswam, whose Sallah homage visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari drew national attention. “I do not begrudge them (Atiku, El-Rufai, Tambuwal, Gabriel Suwam and a host of other politicians) going to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari (in Kaduna). The optics of Atiku Abubakar leading a high-profile delegation to visit former President Buhari is an anti-party activity. That’s the way I regard it.”
Despite ongoing challenges within the PDP, Sowunmi reiterated his allegiance to the party and emphasized the need for internal reforms aligned with today’s political landscape. “I am a PDP man. It is time for all parties to reform. I am amazed that a political party (like PDP) that has not been successful in three (2015, 2019 and 2023) elections will not see the need to press the default button and try to repair their institutions from within.”
Although he left Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential intentions uncertain, Sowunmi hinted at his own readiness to enter the race, positioning himself among a new generation seeking to reshape the national conversation,
“I may (likely) run for President (of Nigeria) in 2027. We (the younger generation) have a right to challenge them (the older generation) to the ideas they say they are running. We will do that!”
Replying on the crisis within the opposition, Sowunmi called on Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to rise above the fray and provide unifying leadership.
“I am hoping that Peter Obi will get his act together. The major Achilles for him (that) he has to understand is, he can’t carry a mob (Obidients) around that quarrels with everybody. He has to provide leadership for all. I hope he can fix it.”
He also outlined what he described as a clear path for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to win the 2027 election, urging Peter Obi to consider returning to the party. The pathway for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to win the next election (in 2027) is very clear to me. If Peter Obi comes back to the PDP, he will likely get the (party’s 2027 presidential) ticket; if his numbers and animated energy were to follow him to the PDP (as seen in 2023 election results).
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s intellectual edge during the 2023 elections, the PDP chieftain criticized his performance since assuming office on May 29, 2023, and raised concerns over his weakening political alliances. He warned that the president must take urgent steps to regain control.