Despite the growing efforts by an anti-Tinubu coalition, spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to rally opposition against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Segun Sowunmi, has firmly stated that the party will not be pressured into joining any vague or ill-defined coalition.
Sowunmi, who is also the convener of The Alternative, expressed his views during an interview on TVC, emphasizing that while individuals are free to align themselves politically, political parties like the PDP must engage in alliances with clear terms, mutual respect, and alignment with their established ideology and structure.
He remarked:
“I believe that anyone championing the idea of a coalition must clearly distinguish between individuals and political parties. Individuals have the right, the reason, and the privilege to form alliances on a personal level. However, for political parties — of which there are 18 registered in Nigeria — none would simply merge without seeking clarity on the purpose, framework, roles, and leadership structure of such a coalition.”
Sowunmi further underscored the foundational principles of the PDP, describing it as a legacy party created in 1998 by visionary leaders who intended for it to embody Nigeria’s diversity and uphold zoning principles. According to him, the PDP was designed to be a pan-Nigerian, pro-business, right-of-centre party with strong welfarist tendencies.
He added, “Dragging the PDP into coalition talks must be approached thoughtfully and transparently. It is essential to first explain to the party the purpose of any proposed alliance. No one should expect the PDP to dissolve or merge its well-established structures into smaller, less organized groups.”
Questioning the practicality of the proposed coalition, Sowunmi asked, “Should the PDP de-register itself? Should its 13 governors, numerous senators, and House of Representatives members simply abandon the party and migrate into a political group with no comparable structures?”
He stressed that while conversations about coalition building are valid, the PDP would not be coerced or manipulated into an agreement that lacks clear structure and purpose.
Meanwhile, Mr. Clement Jimbo, the lawmaker representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, also weighed in on the matter, criticizing Atiku’s coalition efforts. Speaking with Vanguard, Jimbo dismissed the initiative as “the last kick of a dead horse,” arguing that Atiku’s push is driven by selfish motives rather than considerations of equity and justice.
Jimbo insisted that power must remain in Southern Nigeria until the completion of its rightful eight-year term. He said, “If Alhaji Atiku Abubakar still harbours presidential ambitions, he should wait until the South completes its tenure. His current moves distort the facts and ignore the principle of rotational presidency.”
The lawmaker also pointed out that the PDP is too factionalized to present a united front in 2027, asserting, “The PDP today stands no chance because it is deeply divided.”
