Segun Sowunmi, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi has renewed calls for Peter Obi to return to the party, arguing that his political rise was made possible by the PDP and that his presence is crucial for the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, Sowunmi said Obi, who left the PDP for the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 elections, owes much of his national political recognition to his time with the PDP.
He emphasized that the party cannot afford a fragmented opposition if it hopes to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“You have to first of all understand that Peter is our gift to the national play. Before he came to our party, he used to play only in a small party called APGA. Then, we brought him and made him special adviser, or some kind of adviser to Jonathan, which was his first foray into the national play. Then we made him a vice presidential candidate in 2019 with Atiku. That was what launched him into the big national space,” Sowunmi said.
Obi, who served as Vice Presidential candidate under Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 elections, left the PDP in 2022 and contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party.
Despite running on what was initially considered a fringe platform, he garnered significant support nationwide, making a strong showing against both APC and PDP candidates.
Sowunmi highlighted Obi’s performance in the 2023 election as evidence of his political value, suggesting that the PDP could benefit immensely if he returned.
“Now that he has gone to try to be president, we can all recognize and say, okay, we see the numbers. It is up to him to do whatever he can. If we did not give Peter that chance, how would we have known that Peter can do this,” he said.
Reiterating his appeal, Sowunmi stressed the need for unity within the opposition.
“The PDP wants Obi to return because the party cannot afford to enter into a splintered arrangement that would lead to another defeat,” he said.
His remarks come amid ongoing defections and internal challenges within the PDP, particularly in Delta State, raising concerns about the party’s cohesion ahead of future elections.
(PUNCH)
