Segun Sowunmi, former spokesman to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep disappointment in Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, criticizing his stance on the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television's 'Prime Time', Sowunmi described Obi as his "greatest disappointment," claiming the former Anambra State governor failed to leverage his popularity by aligning with the main opposition force in the country.
"My greatest disappointment as we are getting ready for 2027 is actually Peter. The reason is that I had hoped in all of his seriousness that Peter will understand that we can move and challenge the status quo, not the way he's been doing it all by himself," Sowunmi stated.
Coalition Concerns
The PDP chieftain labeled the coalition movement as a "selfish adventure" designed to favor certain politicians. He warned Obi that politicians within the movement are merely interested in exploiting his popularity for their advantage in the upcoming elections.
Sowunmi emphasized that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should form the foundation of any opposition coalition, suggesting that Obi's approach undermines efforts to present a united front against the ruling party.
"We could do that just to be able to take the outcome, even if it's a defeat, we'll say we gave it the best push, and we shattered the glass ceilings and united the country because there's no glass ceiling on top of the South East. You made one effort and then the next thing you're doing you started running up and down the street," he added.
Ultimatum to Obi
In a surprising revelation, Sowunmi disclosed that he had issued an ultimatum to Obi, stating that if the Labour Party candidate failed to make up his mind by May 29 this year, he would consider supporting President Bola Tinubu in the next election.
"I told him many months before that if your mind is not made up by May 29 this year on what you want to do, I'm going to be more inclined to support Asiwaju," Sowunmi revealed.
He further explained his reasoning: "The benefits that we have done now by integrating you as someone that can be leader of the Igbo political force, and in a pan Nigerian environment, I do not think throw it away but it's your call, if you want to do that all this coalition this, coalition that. I'm thinking that you're bringing a new order."
Obi's Political Standing
Peter Obi, who left the PDP in 2022 to join the Labour Party, has established himself as a significant political figure in Nigeria. Despite finishing third with over six million votes in the 2023 presidential election, he commands substantial support, particularly among young Nigerians nationwide.
The former governor's decision regarding coalition politics could significantly impact opposition dynamics as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
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