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Segun Sowunmi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused President Bola Tinubu of worsening the internal struggles within the opposition party.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Sowunmi pointed to Tinubu’s actions as the root cause of PDP’s current challenges, particularly highlighting Tinubu’s decision to appoint former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, a PDP member, to his cabinet without consulting the party.
Sowunmi condemned Tinubu’s approach as one-sided, arguing that it has further strained relations within the PDP.
“While many blame Wike for the PDP’s issues, I believe it’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is at fault,” Sowunmi asserted. “He shouldn’t have appointed a PDP member to his cabinet without involving us.”
Drawing a comparison, Sowunmi contrasted Tinubu’s actions with those of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who, he said, consulted with opposition parties when forming a government of national unity.
“Obasanjo reached out to the party first, but Tinubu bypassed us and appointed one of our members to a significant position, complicating everything,” Sowunmi remarked.
He suggested that removing Wike from the cabinet could help reduce tensions in the PDP, calling on Tinubu to dismiss Wike if he genuinely wants to see stability in the party.
“If he wants to see our party united, he should let Wike go and return him to the PDP,” Sowunmi stated.
Sowunmi dismissed the notion that the PDP is at risk of falling apart, asserting the party’s durability through past challenges.
“This is the party that survived when Obasanjo tore his membership card when Jonathan stepped down; we’re not about to collapse now,” he said, underscoring the PDP’s resilience.
Commenting on the party’s current leadership dispute, Sowunmi noted that the PDP is awaiting a court decision to determine its next steps.
He also criticized the frequent resort to legal actions, which he believes disrupts the party’s ability to resolve internal issues.
In advocating for the PDP’s role as a stable opposition, Sowunmi condemned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for its previous tactics, accusing them of tarnishing Nigeria’s image before assuming power.
“We in the PDP understand the importance of upholding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and reputation,” he argued.
Sowunmi’s remarks highlight the complex internal dynamics within the PDP as the party seeks to navigate ongoing tensions and secure a stable future.