A leading figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has urged members of the opposition party to shift their focus toward internal reforms instead of blaming individuals for the party’s ongoing challenges.
Sowunmi shared his views during an interview on Politics Today, a political affairs programme aired on Channels Television. His comments come amid continuing debates about the party’s internal disagreements and preparations for future elections.
According to the PDP chieftain, the party’s struggles cannot be attributed to the actions of any single person. In his view, the deeper issue lies in the absence of consistent institutional reform.
He warned that the tendency to identify scapegoats whenever problems arise could prevent the party from addressing structural weaknesses that have accumulated over time.
Institutional Strength as the Real Solution
While discussing the matter, Sowunmi emphasized the importance of building strong institutions within political organisations.
He explained that well-structured systems help limit excesses and reduce the likelihood of individuals abusing power.
Drawing comparisons with international organisations, he noted that many global institutions operate under strict frameworks that regulate leadership roles and decision-making processes.
According to him, these structured systems make misconduct or irregularities far less likely to occur.
PDP’s Long Political History
Sowunmi also reminded party members that the PDP is not a new organisation. With more than twenty years of existence and sixteen years spent governing Nigeria, the party should have developed strong institutional memory.
He argued that such experience should provide the party with enough knowledge to manage internal issues more effectively.
However, he suggested that without deliberate reforms, even long-standing institutions can struggle to adapt to changing political realities.
Opportunity Presented by Time in Opposition
Another point raised by the PDP stalwart was the importance of using time outside government productively.
He advised party members to treat their period in opposition as an opportunity to reorganize, rebuild internal systems, and develop strategies for the future.
Rather than allowing internal disagreements to dominate discussions, Sowunmi believes the party should focus on strengthening its structure and preparing for upcoming political contests.
Key Ideas From Sowunmi’s Argument
In outlining his position, Sowunmi highlighted several areas the party should prioritize:
- Developing stronger internal structures and institutional processes
- Reducing the culture of blaming individuals for systemic problems
- Using the period outside power to reorganize and modernize party operations
- Drawing lessons from well-regulated institutions that prevent abuse of authority
These steps, he suggested, could help the party reposition itself more effectively.
Internal Disagreements Within the Party
Despite the tensions currently visible within the PDP, Sowunmi acknowledged that many of the individuals involved in internal disputes remain loyal members of the party.
According to him, those on opposing sides of the disagreements have long histories with the organisation and share a commitment to its ideals.
He therefore suggested that the party should focus on reconciliation and structural improvement rather than deepening divisions.
Commentary and Political Analysis
Sowunmi’s remarks highlight a recurring challenge faced by many long-standing political parties: maintaining institutional strength while navigating internal rivalries.
When political organisations rely too heavily on personalities instead of systems, conflicts between individuals can easily destabilize party structures.
By emphasizing institutional reform, Sowunmi is advocating for a model where clear rules, procedures, and accountability mechanisms guide leadership decisions.
Such reforms could help the PDP rebuild its internal cohesion and present a stronger platform ahead of future elections.
As Nigeria gradually moves closer to the 2027 electoral cycle, discussions about party unity, leadership structure, and organisational reform are likely to play a central role in shaping the political landscape.
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