2027 Elections: Segun Sowunmi Dismisses Defection Rumours, Affirms Loyalty to PDP

Segun Sowunmi, a former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing speculation that he plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Sowunmi described the rumours as unfounded and insisted he remains firmly with the PDP, where he has been a member since the return of democracy in 1998.

“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,” Sowunmi said.

He recalled his long-standing relationship with President Bola Tinubu, which dates back to 1994, but stressed that personal ties do not equate to political allegiance. “I had one handshake with the president, whom I have known since 1994, and you think I would leave my party for that? It doesn’t work that way,” he added.

Sowunmi further used the platform to question Nigeria’s democratic progress, noting that after 26 years of civil rule, citizens remain dissatisfied. “You must understand that after about 26 years in democracy, it gets to a point where you will start asking questions: is this democracy really working? Why are the people unhappy? Can we begin to build consensus around development? Otherwise, nations are leaving us behind,” he said.

The PDP chieftain’s remarks come amid heightened speculation and political realignments as parties gear up for the 2027 polls. His comments are seen as an attempt to reassure party loyalists and dismiss whispers of a possible crossover to the APC.