Sowunmi Stirs Political Waters Again, Insists Tinubu Deserves Recognition, Not Demonization

Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has doubled down on his praise for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that his recent comments are not betrayal but realism.

Speaking again on Tuesday in a follow-up interview on Channels TV, Sowunmi maintained that Tinubu, despite criticisms, has proven to be politically smarter and more strategic than many of his rivals — including Peter Obi of the Labour Party and even leaders within the PDP.

“People are emotional about politics, but I deal in facts,” he said. “We can’t continue to act like we’re in a permanent campaign mode. Someone has to be brave enough to say: this man [Tinubu] is not a pushover.”

The PDP chieftain, who was the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 elections, has come under fire from party loyalists and supporters of Atiku for his open admiration of Tinubu. But Sowunmi insists he is not defecting or abandoning his political roots.

“I’m still PDP. I’ve been PDP for decades. But being in PDP doesn’t mean I should lose my sense of judgment,” he said. “Our democracy needs mature voices, not just blind loyalty.”

He defended his meeting with Tinubu during the recent Eid celebrations, saying it was a move to promote national dialogue and understand the president’s thinking.

According to Sowunmi, “We’re at a point in Nigeria’s history where people must stop treating engagement like treason. I went to see the president because I wanted to test the perception against the reality. I came back convinced — he’s sharp, and we need to stop pretending otherwise.”

Reacting to comparisons with Daniel Bwala — another former Atiku spokesperson who was appointed as a Special Adviser to Tinubu — Sowunmi said he is not seeking any appointment.

“I have said it clearly: I will not accept any political appointment while I remain in PDP. But I also won’t keep quiet when I see something working,” he stated.

Sowunmi also threw subtle jabs at his critics, saying those who attack him are often “afraid of independent thinking” and “comfortable with echo chambers.”