In a political twist that has stirred conversations across Nigeria’s political landscape, Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential election, has publicly stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is intellectually ahead of his political rivals, including his former principal and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
The statement, which was made during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, has added fuel to ongoing discussions about shifting political loyalties and the evolving dynamics in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Sowunmi, once a vocal critic of President Tinubu, is now drawing national attention not just for his praise of the president’s intellect, but for a sudden political recalibration that many consider a surprising departure from his past rhetoric. Despite criticisms from within his party and among Atiku’s loyalists, the PDP stalwart maintained that his recent meeting with President Tinubu does not amount to betrayal, but rather a strategic and personal decision rooted in political maturity and concern for the state of the nation.
According to him, Tinubu’s political instincts and problem-solving approach stand out significantly compared to other prominent figures in the opposition. Sowunmi cited Tinubu’s ability to adapt strategies based on context and individual circumstances as a key reason for his assertion that the president is “smarter by miles” than his contemporaries in the political space, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
The former spokesperson was quick to distance his new stance from any notion of opportunism. He affirmed that while he remains a PDP member, he is not part of Atiku’s current political coalition, and reserves the right to engage with leaders across party lines. “I am at liberty as an adult to take decisions,” Sowunmi insisted during the interview, emphasizing that his engagement with Tinubu was neither a defection nor a political endorsement.
The meeting between Sowunmi and President Tinubu reportedly took place during the recent Eid celebrations at the president’s Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. According to Sowunmi, the occasion provided a platform to discuss the future of Nigerian democracy, ongoing policy implementation, and national stability. He described the president as mentally agile, alert, and deeply engaged with governance issues — a stark contrast to narratives questioning Tinubu’s health and capacity.
Sowunmi also addressed criticisms aimed at Tinubu’s administration, urging Nigerians not to demonize every policy initiative. He argued that while constructive criticism is necessary, there must also be space for intelligent policy discourse and long-term planning. “I was concerned that this democracy was faltering, and I don’t think it was his fault,” Sowunmi explained, noting that his engagement with Tinubu was driven by a desire to independently assess the direction of governance in Nigeria.
Notably, he stated that while he acknowledges Tinubu’s mental sharpness and strategic capabilities, he would not accept any political appointment under the current administration as long as he remains a member of the PDP. This stance, however, does not shield him from public scrutiny, especially as his recent comments echo those of Daniel Bwala, another former Atiku spokesperson who later accepted a high-profile appointment from President Tinubu in November 2024.
Bwala, who previously served as one of the most outspoken critics of Tinubu during the 2023 campaign, was appointed as Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication following his own shift in political alignment. The parallels between Sowunmi’s and Bwala’s political journeys have intensified speculation about the integrity of opposition unity and the future of the PDP as a cohesive political force.
Sowunmi’s comments have also added another layer to the ongoing debate about leadership quality and political competence in Nigeria. As the country grapples with economic reforms, insecurity, and governance challenges, the question of who is best suited to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s future continues to dominate political discourse.
For many observers, Sowunmi’s praise of Tinubu, coupled with his critique of Atiku and Obi, reflects deeper fractures within the PDP and the opposition at large. It also underscores the ongoing struggle among Nigeria’s political elite to redefine their roles in a post-2023 electoral environment that remains highly fluid and unpredictable.
As Nigerians await the political implications of Sowunmi’s statements, one thing is certain — the shifting allegiances and open admiration for Tinubu from former opposition insiders are redefining the contours of Nigeria’s political battlefield ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether these developments will strengthen national discourse or further polarize the political landscape remains to be seen.