By Emmanuel Kwada
A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has stirred controversy by praising President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “smarter than his opponents,” including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, while dismissing claims that his recent meeting with the president constitutes a betrayal of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The former PDP presidential spokesman made the remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, June 9, 2025, following a visit to Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi during the Eid celebrations.
Sowunmi, who served as a key figure in Atiku’s 2023 presidential campaign, clarified that his meeting with Tinubu, initiated by the president’s invitation, was not a sign of disloyalty. “I am at liberty as an adult to take decisions,” he asserted.
“I am not tied to anybody. I am not anti-Tinubu.” The sudden shift from his previous criticism of the president has sparked widespread debate, with many Nigerians questioning his motives. However, Sowunmi brushed off detractors, stating, “I own my mouth, I own my words, and I own my arguments.”
I own my mouth, I own my words, and I own my arguments. I am not tied to anybody. I am not anti-Tinubu
The PDP chieftain highlighted what he sees as Tinubu’s strategic edge, saying, “The only time we go to them is after they’ve lost and we need to shore them up. Do you know the difference between Bola and them? He doesn’t have one approach to dealing with everybody.
By miles, he is smarter than them. He is smarter than Peter Obi, he is smarter than them.” He further defended Tinubu’s leadership, arguing that the president’s mental agility sets him apart, a point he explored during their discussion.
Addressing accusations of betrayal, Sowunmi emphasized his independence from Atiku’s current political coalition. “Is he running for president now? He’s running a coalition that everybody knows I am not part of,” he said.
Is he running for president now? He’s running a coalition that everybody knows I am not part of
“Why would even in your wildest dream think I don’t have my individuality because of what? Do you know how long I have been in the party?” His remarks suggest a growing distance from Atiku’s orbit, though he stopped short of confirming a formal split.
Sowunmi’s visit to Tinubu’s Ikoyi residence came after two years of the president’s tenure, a period he deemed ripe for dialogue. “I was concerned that this democracy was faltering and I don’t think it was his fault,” he explained.
I decided to engage him since people talk about his frailty. So, I jumped on that investigation
“I do not understand after about 24 years, political parties would just suddenly assume they have an escape route of blaming others for their woes.” He criticized the demonization of Tinubu’s policies, urging a more nuanced understanding of their futuristic intent.
“I decided to engage him since people talk about his frailty. So, I jumped on that investigation,” he added, praising Tinubu’s alertness. “His brain is very alert, he is fit. You know when you are asking someone questions and he is answering without looking at the book.”
The PDP chieftain also vouched for Tinubu’s leadership direction, saying, “I just believe that there comes a time in the life of a nation where you must try to be sure whether the direction a leader is going is the right direction or at least whether it is the intended direction and I guarantee you, he is smart — above average.”
However, he ruled out accepting any appointment from Tinubu while remaining a PDP member, signaling a cautious approach to potential political realignment.
His brain is very alert, he is fit
Sowunmi’s meeting echoes a similar move by Daniel Bwala, another former Atiku spokesman and vocal critic, who was appointed Special Adviser to Tinubu on Policy Communication in November 2024 after a prior engagement.
This pattern of opposition figures engaging with the president has fueled speculation about shifting loyalties ahead of the 2027 elections, though Sowunmi insists his actions reflect personal conviction rather than defection.
The development has ignited mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a pragmatic outreach, while others see it as a betrayal of PDP principles. As political tensions simmer, Sowunmi’s bold stance continues to dominate discussions across Nigeria’s political landscape.
