Tinubu Smarter Than His Opponents, Including Peter Obi — Segun Sowunmi

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has described President Bola Tinubu as politically smarter than his major opponents, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi. Sowunmi made the statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Monday, where he addressed public backlash over his recent meeting with the president.

Sowunmi, who served as the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential campaign, dismissed allegations that his engagement with Tinubu amounted to disloyalty or betrayal. He said he remains a PDP member but reserves the right to make independent decisions as an adult. “I am not tied to anybody. I am not anti-Tinubu,” he said. “I own my mouth, I own my words, and I own my arguments.”

The PDP stalwart said the president had invited him to his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, during the recent Eid celebrations. According to Sowunmi, after two years in office, it was necessary to have a conversation with the president, particularly in the face of challenges to Nigeria’s democratic process. He noted that many politicians have resorted to blaming others rather than accepting responsibility for their actions. “I was concerned that this democracy was faltering, and I don’t think it was his fault,” he said.

He added that he was uncomfortable with the blanket condemnation of all government policies by critics who do not understand the complexities of governance. “I began to be a little bit uncomfortable with the demonising of all policies by those who don’t understand what it takes to design futuristic ideas that could work,” he said. He also addressed concerns over the president’s health, saying his personal encounter showed Tinubu was mentally sharp and physically alert. “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,” Sowunmi noted.

On comparisons between Tinubu and his political rivals, Sowunmi said the president stands out for his ability to adapt his approach to different individuals and situations. “By miles, he is smarter than them. He is smarter than Peter Obi, he is smarter than his other opponents. He doesn’t have one approach to dealing with everybody,” he said.

Responding to accusations that he had betrayed Atiku Abubakar, Sowunmi stated that Atiku is currently focused on building a coalition that he himself is not a 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 in your wildest dream think I don’t have my individuality?” he asked. He also reaffirmed his long-standing loyalty to the PDP while making it clear that he would not accept any government appointment under Tinubu as long as he remains a member of the opposition party.

Sowunmi is not the only former Atiku ally to meet with Tinubu in recent times. In late 2024, Daniel Bwala, another former spokesman for Atiku and one of Tinubu’s harshest critics, was appointed Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication after a similar meeting.