, Segun Sowunmi, has identified institutional reform as the fundamental challenge){kind=link}
A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has identified institutional reform as the fundamental challenge confronting the main opposition party.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, Sowunmi dismissed the blame game within the party, arguing that finger-pointing at individuals would not resolve the PDP’s crisis.
“Essentially, the major issue confronting the PDP is reform. The problem is not about pointing accusing fingers at one person or insisting that an individual has caused all our troubles. Some are busy labelling others as the devil,” Sowunmi stated.
The party chieftain drew parallels with institutional frameworks in developed democracies, questioning why similar standards are absent within the PDP structure.
“If you were appointed chairman of the Federal Reserve in America, you wouldn’t dare engage in the kind of activities we witness here because the processes simply don’t permit such madness,” he remarked.
Sowunmi further argued that a party with over two decades of existence and 16 years of governance experience should have developed robust institutional mechanisms to address recurring challenges.
“When you’ve run a party for over 20 years and enjoyed 16 years in power, you ought to have institutional memory of these issues. During our time in opposition, while the ruling party focuses on governance, shouldn’t we be busy reforming, repairing, and recreating ourselves?” he queried.
Despite the internal wranglings, Sowunmi acknowledged the commitment of those involved in the current party disputes.
“I must concede that those fighting on both sides are largely people who have remained committed to the PDP,” he added.
The PDP has been embroiled in internal crises ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various factions jostling for control of the party structure.