Segun Sowunmi, a former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, revealed that he had discussed the possibility of the former PDP presidential candidate running in the 2027 election.
Sowunmi, a former Ogun State gubernatorial aspirant, however, stated that Atiku has yet to provide a clear response.
Sowunmi made this disclosure in Abuja on Monday during the launch of the National Opposition Movement Coalition, a platform dedicated to strengthening opposition politics and promoting credible democratic and electoral processes ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Sowunmi, the decision to contest the presidency should not focus solely on Atiku but rather on individuals with a clear vision for Nigeria’s development.
“Who would have thought that Tinubu, considering his background and history, would be in the villa today? It shows that leadership transcends any one individual,” Sowunmi remarked.
“Atiku hasn’t told me he’s running. I’ve asked him twice, and I’ll ask him once more. If he doesn’t give an answer, that’s it.”
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Sowunmi recounted his efforts to convince former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to contest for the presidency under the PDP.
“I traveled across the Southeast, urging PDP members from the region, including His Excellency, Peter Obi. I visited him over five times, encouraging him to purchase the nomination form to gauge the Nigerian people’s support,” he shared.
Although Obi eventually joined the Labour Party without informing him, Sowunmi commended the former governor for bringing the Southeast’s aspirations into national discourse. However, he emphasized that leadership demands more than rhetoric, urging support for candidates based on their ability to deliver tangible results.
Sowunmi explained that the National Opposition Movement Coalition was born out of the urgent need to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy amidst growing concerns about the country’s electoral and governance systems.
He criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to uphold election integrity despite improvements in its guidelines and operational manuals.
He also expressed concern over the declining credibility of the judiciary, which he described as crucial for maintaining balance and preventing government overreach.