Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential campaign, has sparked controversy by praising President Bola Tinubu’s political acumen and denying any betrayal of Atiku.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Sowunmi defended his recent meeting with President Tinubu at the latter’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos during the Eid celebrations. He emphasized that the meeting did not signify disloyalty to Atiku or the PDP, asserting his independence within the party.
“I am at liberty as an adult to take decisions. I am not tied to anybody. I am not anti-Tinubu,” Sowunmi said. He dismissed accusations of betrayal, stating, “I own my mouth, I own my words, and I own my arguments.”
Sowunmi praised Tinubu’s strategic approach, saying, “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 also addressed speculation about a shift in allegiance, noting that Atiku is currently pursuing a coalition that Sowunmi is not part of. “Is he running for president now? He’s running a coalition that everybody knows I am not part of. Why would you even think I don’t have my individuality?” he asked.
Expressing concern about the state of democracy, Sowunmi said he engaged Tinubu to better understand the president’s policies and mental fitness. “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,” he remarked.
Despite his commendations, Sowunmi made clear that he would not accept any government appointment while remaining a PDP member.
His comments follow a similar pattern seen in November 2024 when another former Atiku spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, met with Tinubu and was subsequently appointed Special Adviser on Policy Communication.
