Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has defended his party's maturity in handling governance issues, stating that the PDP is far more mature than the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Sowunmi rejected claims that the PDP is performing poorly as an opposition party.
Sowunmi criticized the APC's opposition tactics prior to their ascent to power, pointing to their disruptive protests and attempts to demarket Nigeria. He stated, "Do you think that nonsense they (APC) were doing, calling people into the streets every day, shaming the country… is how to run a country?" He emphasized that the PDP understands the importance of protecting the nation's integrity and does not engage in the same tactics.
He further clarified that being an opposition party means offering alternative viewpoints to the ruling party, not undermining the country with lies and creating chaos.
Sowunmi, who is seeking to take up the national chairmanship position of the PDP, also addressed the party's internal leadership crisis, declaring that the PDP will not die. He referenced the party's resilience through previous crises, such as when former President Obasanjo left and when Jonathan stepped down. "PDP dieth not," he affirmed.
Regarding President Bola Tinubu, Sowunmi pointed to his appointment of former PDP member Nyesom Wike as a minister, asserting that such actions without consultation with the party only cause division within the opposition. He compared this to former President Olusegun Obasanjo's consultative approach when forming a government of national unity, which he believes Tinubu failed to replicate.
