By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has rejected the idea of his party being forced into a coalition with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
This decision comes despite efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to mobilize against President Bola Tinubu.
Sowunmi emphasized that while individuals are free to form alliances, political parties like the PDP must be approached with clarity and respect for their ideology and structure. He stated, “I think that anyone who will drive the type of idea of a coalition must separate individuals from parties.”
Sowunmi added that the PDP, as a legacy party, has its founding principles and structure, which include being a pan-Nigerian party that recognizes the country’s diversity and respects zoning principles. He noted that any conversation about a coalition must first inform the PDP of the reasons and proposed arrangements.
“If you are going to drag the PDP into this kind of conversation, they must first of all be informed as to why,” Sowunmi said. He questioned whether the PDP would need to dissolve or surrender its machinery to parties with no structures.
Meanwhile, Rep. Clement Jimbo described Atiku’s coalition efforts as “the last kick of a dead horse.” Jimbo stated, “If Alhaji Atiku Abubakar still desires to be the president of Nigeria, he should kindly wait until Southern Nigeria has completed its eight years.”
Jimbo also expressed doubts about the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections, stating internal factionalization. “The PDP does not stand a chance because it is completely factionalized,” he said.
