Don’t Abandon PDP, Learn Coalition Politics from Tinubu – Sowunmi Urges Atiku

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has urged former Vice President and the People’s Democratic Party 2023 Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar to take a cue from President Bola Tinubu on how to form effective political coalitions ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku, who has been at the forefront of efforts to unite opposition figures, is reportedly leading a movement to forge a coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

As part of these moves, opposition leaders recently established a committee that includes former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke, to decide whether to float a new political party or align with an existing platform.

Despite these developments, Sowunmi, Speaking during an interview on TVC on Tuesday, said the former Vice President should focus on consolidating forces within the PDP rather than seeking alliances outside the party.

“I’ve always said to people, people love with their hearts. I love Atiku with my bones. But I can’t help him against himself. You can’t run vice presidency on PDP two times with Obasanjo, get presidential candidate on that same party two times. I don’t agree with him that the next best thing is to be shopping for… (a platform). If you want a coalition, why are you not coalescing them into your party?” Sowunmi asked.

He went further to draw comparisons with President Tinubu, who he believes has mastered the art of building political coalitions without abandoning his party. “Look at your rival, your friend. You guys started together. At best, even if you want to say he’s building a coalition, is he not coalescing opponents into his place?” Sowunmi questioned.

Sowunmi, a former PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, recently made headlines after a meeting with President Tinubu, during which he openly praised the President’s political skill and personal charm.

“That guy (Tinubu) is something oh, he has this uncanny ability to make everybody individually feel special. It doesn’t matter whether you are a former foe or a president’s friend, every moment you share with him, I don’t know how he does it, though you’re going to leave the place feeling that you matter, feeling that he gets it, feeling that what you guys are talking about is important. And there’s something about him, when he gives you his word, he will say something like ‘ko le ye’, meaning that to the best of human ability, it will stand,” he remarked.

His comments have sparked debate over his political stance and ongoing loyalty to Atiku. When asked if his meeting with Tinubu had strained their relationship, Sowunmi replied:

“I don’t know whether Atiku is upset or not upset, but I know a lot of our followers are talking a lot of nonsense, and I’m wondering how I became attached to Atiku when I’ve been in PDP since 1999 never leaving,” he said.

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