Segun Sowunmi, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential campaign, has stirred political discourse by expressing a potential shift in allegiance. In a televised interview on Tuesday during TVC’s Your View, Sowunmi revealed he would consider joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if PDP leaders continue on a self-destructive path.
Sowunmi made it clear that his loyalty to the PDP is being tested by what he perceives as disarray and internal instability. He stated, “Let me be very upfront. I’ve always said and I’ve said it many times over, if I ever leave the PDP, damn, I’m going to the APC.” He attributed this preference to the perceived ideological consistency and leadership stability within the APC, particularly referencing Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
For Sowunmi, the enduring political identity of Buhari and Tinubu sets them apart in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape. He noted, “They don’t jump from one political tendency to the other, and have been damn stable too since 1998.” The PDP stalwart, known for his previous criticisms of Tinubu, now sees value in the APC’s leadership style and direction.
Consultation Before Defection: A Structured Approach
If Sowunmi ever decides to officially part ways with the PDP, he emphasized that his entry into the APC would not be a hasty or sentimental move. He disclosed that he would first seek an audience with Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, to understand the party’s foundational documents and ideology.
“I will have a sit down with him. I’ll ask for the constitution of the party, I will read it,” Sowunmi said. This structured approach reflects his desire for ideological clarity and institutional understanding before committing to another political platform.
This statement has sparked speculation about his political future, especially given his recent proximity to President Tinubu. Political analysts suggest Sowunmi may be positioning himself for a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the PDP continues to grapple with internal fractures and leadership disputes.
Criticism of PDP’s Coalition Talks: Stability Over Opportunism
In the same interview, Sowunmi launched a scathing critique of the coalition movement championed by his principal, Atiku Abubakar, describing it as an irritant. He argued that the growing trend of political coalition-building every election cycle undermines the credibility of established parties like the PDP.
“One of the reasons why I’m irritated by this talk of coalition… is that I can’t imagine how decent political people will think that it is their responsibility to be looking for new platform every season. I don’t agree,” Sowunmi said, reinforcing his preference for political stability over seasonal alliances.
Having spent 27 years in the PDP, Sowunmi expressed frustration that such coalition efforts only introduce more instability into an already fragile party structure. His comments reflect growing concerns among PDP loyalists that the party’s future may be in jeopardy if its leadership continues to flirt with alternative arrangements rather than consolidate its base.
From Critic to Admirer: Sowunmi’s New Tune on Tinubu
Once a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu and his administration, Sowunmi’s tone has shifted dramatically since his recent meeting with the president. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, he explained that the encounter gave him deeper insights into Tinubu’s governance style and policy framework.
“I asked questions, and I was able to understand better,” he remarked, acknowledging that the meeting altered his perception. Sowunmi now claims he has known President Tinubu since 1994, adding that he would not rule out working with him if given the opportunity. This public softening of stance has raised eyebrows within PDP circles, with many questioning his loyalty to the opposition cause.
The shift appears to be part of a broader political recalibration, one that aligns Sowunmi more closely with Nigeria’s current power structure and away from his previous antagonistic posture towards the APC-led government.
Parting Shot: Tinubu Smarter Than Political Rivals, Says Sowunmi
In a bold assertion that could further alienate him from his PDP base, Sowunmi concluded his recent media rounds with a declaration that President Tinubu outsmarts all his political opponents, including Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
“Tinubu is smarter than Peter Obi and others,” he stated unequivocally. Such praise for the sitting president not only signals an ideological shift but may also signal a deeper alignment in the making. Sowunmi’s comments have been interpreted as both a critique of the opposition’s disarray and an endorsement of Tinubu’s strategic acumen.
As political realignments take shape ahead of the 2027 elections, Sowunmi’s words and actions are likely to influence debate within both the PDP and the APC. Whether he makes a formal move or not, his public admiration for Tinubu and criticism of his own party marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s evolving political dynamics.
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