Segun Sowunmi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has attributed the ongoing crisis within the opposition party to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sowunmi made this assertion during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
The former PDP gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State criticized Tinubu for appointing Nyesom Wike, a PDP stalwart, as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) without consulting the party’s leadership.
“People might say Wike is the cause of PDP’s problems, but I would rather point to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Sowunmi said. “He had no business appointing a PDP member into his cabinet without consulting us. Bringing Wike into his government has deepened the leadership crisis in our party.”
Obasanjo vs. Tinubu: Contrasting Approaches to Unity
Sowunmi compared Tinubu’s actions to those of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who, according to him, worked closely with opposition parties when forming a government of national unity.
“When Obasanjo sought to form a government of national unity, he consulted the party. Tinubu, however, took one of our members and placed him in a strategic position without dialogue, complicating matters further,” Sowunmi remarked.
He suggested that Tinubu should rectify the situation by dismissing Wike and allowing him to return to the PDP. “If he wants PDP to stabilize, he should sack Wike and return him to us, but that’s unlikely to happen,” Sowunmi added.
‘PDP is Resilient, Not Dead’
Dismissing claims that the PDP is on the brink of collapse, Sowunmi highlighted the party’s resilience in overcoming past challenges.
“PDP did not die when Obasanjo tore his membership card. It did not die when Jonathan stepped down. The party has weathered many storms and will continue to survive,” he said.
On the leadership disputes plaguing the PDP, Sowunmi expressed optimism that the courts would provide clarity. “The problem with a party quick to resort to the courts is that our hands are tied until a ruling is made,” he said, adding that the party has mechanisms to ensure continuity despite disputes.
A Critique of APC’s Opposition Tactics
Sowunmi also took aim at the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of employing disruptive tactics before assuming power.
“Do you think their tactics—calling people to the streets, shaming the country, and blocking Jonathan from buying arms to combat insecurity—were productive? We, in the PDP, are far more mature. We understand the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s image and territorial integrity,” he said.
The PDP chieftain reaffirmed the party’s commitment to being a constructive opposition, dedicated to holding the ruling party accountable while prioritizing national stability.
