Otunba Segun Sowunmi, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly defended the right of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to pursue the presidency again, dismissing public criticism regarding the number of times he has contested.
Atiku, who has made six attempts at the presidency, including losses to candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 and 2023, continues to be a subject of political debate as the 2027 general elections approach. Sowunmi, in a recent interview, stated that the ongoing discussion about Atiku’s ambition is misguided, emphasizing that the constitution guarantees every eligible citizen the right to run for any political office.
He expressed concern that too much focus is being placed on dissuading Atiku from running, rather than on developing strategies to unseat the current ruling party.
“Political contests are deeply personal and constitutional. Attempts to pressure Atiku into stepping aside are both unwarranted and ineffective,” Sowunmi said. “What I find curious is that instead of discussing how to win the upcoming elections, some have devoted excessive time to trying to bully a man who cannot be bullied. I know for a fact that any attempt to bully him will only make him more determined in his position.”
Sowunmi further clarified that political parties are free to zone their presidential tickets as per party and national constitutions. However, he reiterated that no law prevents Atiku from contesting again, asserting that electoral participation is a fundamental legal right, irrespective of past attempts or outcomes.
Reflecting on Atiku’s various presidential bids, starting from his first in 1992 with the Social Democratic Party to his most recent contest under the PDP, Sowunmi argued that each of these efforts demonstrated legitimate democratic participation. He urged Nigerians to focus on strategies for winning elections rather than restricting who can run for office.
