A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, has criticised the growing dominance of presidents and governors over party structures, warning that the trend is eroding democratic values in the country.
Showunmi, who also convenes The Alternative Movement, said the concentration of party control in the hands of elected executives has continued to weaken internal party systems and trigger recurring crises across political parties.
He made the remarks during a radio programme monitored in Abeokuta on Saturday, where he argued that holding leaders accountable within party frameworks has become increasingly difficult, as those in power now dictate party affairs.
According to him, the practice became deeply rooted during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when the president assumed leadership of the ruling party, a pattern that has since been replicated by governors at the state level.
He explained that “this arrangement contradicts democratic norms, as political parties are not to be governed by the president or the governors, but by internal party officials and structures.
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“In a proper democracy, candidates seek the support of party leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members to secure tickets.
After benefiting from that collective effort and arrangement when seeking elective offices, it becomes an anomaly for such candidates, once elected, to claim absolute control of the party.”
The PDP stalwart described the situation as a “major anathema,” noting that it has weakened internal democracy, undermined party unity, and contributed to increasing defections, as members feel sidelined after elections.
He also pointed out that lingering rifts between presidents and their deputies, as well as governors and their deputies, have heightened distrust within party systems, limiting the influence and effectiveness of deputy leaders.
Calling for urgent reforms, Showunmi urged stakeholders to clearly separate governmental authority from party administration and rebuild political parties as independent democratic institutions.
“Until Nigeria strengthens its parties beyond personalities and executive dominance, the cycle of mistrust, instability, and internal crisis will persist,” Showunmi warned.