I didn’t betray Atiku. Tinubu is smarter than his opponents – Atiku’s former spokesperson, Sowunmi

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has stirred controversy with his remarks describing President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as intellectually superior to his political rivals, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Sowunmi, a former spokesperson for PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, defended his recent meeting with President Tinubu, saying it did not signal disloyalty to Atiku. He insisted that he retains his independence within the party.

“I am at liberty as an adult to take decisions,” he said. “I am not tied to anybody. I am not anti-Tinubu.”

Responding to criticism over his perceived change of stance, Sowunmi dismissed claims of betrayal. “I own my mouth, I own my words, and I own my arguments,” he said, noting his long-standing commitment to the PDP. He further argued that President Tinubu’s strategic political style sets him apart from other leaders.

“Do you know the difference between Bola and them? He doesn’t have one approach to dealing with everybody. By miles, he is smarter than them. He is smarter than Peter Obi, he is smarter than them,” Sowunmi stated.

Addressing speculation about a shift in allegiance, Sowunmi said Atiku is currently engaged in coalition-building efforts that he is not a part of. “Is he running for president now? He’s running a coalition that everybody knows I am not part of. Why would you even think I don’t have my individuality?” he asked.

The PDP stalwart revealed that his meeting with Tinubu took place at the president’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos during the Eid celebrations. He described it as a timely engagement after two years of the Tinubu presidency.

“I was concerned that this democracy was faltering and I don’t think it was his fault. I began to be a little bit uncomfortable with the demonising of all policies by those who don’t understand what it takes to design futuristic ideas that could work,” he said.

Sowunmi praised the president’s mental capacity, saying, “His brain is very alert, he is fit. You know when you are asking someone questions and he is answering without looking at the book.”

Despite his commendation of Tinubu, Sowunmi was clear that he would not accept any government appointment while still a member of the PDP.

His comments follow a similar development in November 2024 when another former Atiku spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, met with President Tinubu and was subsequently appointed Special Adviser on Policy Communication.