Segun Sowunmi, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesman to Atiku Abubakar, has denied suggestions that he is preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, September 15, Sowunmi clarified that despite speculation following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, he remains committed to the PDP.
“If I wanted to decamp to the APC, I would have done that, but not at this time. I’m still a member of the PDP,” he said.
His remarks come after widespread reactions to his June 8 visit to Tinubu’s Lagos residence, where a handshake with the president fuelled talk of a political switch.
“It was actually a little confusing because after that handshake with the president, a number of people thought I was switching sides. Nigerians are funny people. I’ve been standing at this party since 1998.
“I have one handshake, one visit to the president, whom I’ve known for decades, and you think I’m going to just leave my party? No, it doesn’t work that way,” he said.
The Ogun-born politician, who contested the PDP governorship primaries in 2023, stressed the need for leaders to focus on national development rather than endless rivalry.
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“After about 27 years in democracy, and I have been very active, it gets to a point where you start asking the question: is this democracy even working?
“Why are the people unhappy? Beyond all the criticism, can we just start agreeing on some things? Otherwise, they should start leaving us behind,” he said.
Sowunmi revealed that his discussion with Tinubu touched on insecurity in the North, economic hardship caused by recent policies, and the political situation in Rivers State.
“I was concerned about Rivers, and he explained some things which made sense. I was concerned about insecurity in the North—people were just dying—and he had something to say about it.
“I told him I had seen where he’s going with the policies, but was worried about the knock-on effect on the people,” he added.
His meeting with the president, which came as defections continued to shape the opposition landscape, had earlier sparked debates on social media and within political circles, especially after he told Arise Television on June 10 that “there is a strong possibility” he might leave the PDP.