Tinubu is smarter than Atiku, Obi by miles – PDP Chieftain, Segun Sowunmi

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has openly declared that President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is politically smarter than his rivals, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

Sowunmi, who served as spokesman for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential election, made the assertion on Monday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Addressing speculations over his recent meeting with President Tinubu in Lagos, Sowunmi dismissed notions of betrayal against Atiku, stressing that he remains an independent political actor.

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

Sowunmi argued that Tinubu’s flexibility in dealing with people sets him apart from his political adversaries.

“By miles, he is smarter than them. He is smarter than Peter Obi, he is smarter than them,” he added.

On claims that he had betrayed his party’s interest, Sowunmi said Atiku was currently pursuing a coalition agenda that he personally was not part of.

“Why would even in your wildest dream think I don’t have my individuality because of what? Do you know how long I have been in the party?” he asked.

Explaining his visit to Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos during the Sallah festivities, Sowunmi said it was purely for dialogue and national interest.

“It’s not a bad time to have a conversation with the president,” he noted.

He cautioned against the blanket condemnation of government policies by opposition figures, stating, “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.”

Speaking on his impression after the meeting, Sowunmi described the president as mentally alert and politically strategic.

“His brain is very alert, he is fit. When you are asking someone questions and he is answering without looking at the book… I guarantee you, he is smart, above average.”

However, Sowunmi maintained that despite the meeting, he would not accept any appointment from Tinubu while remaining a PDP member.

News360 Nigeria reports that this development comes months after another of Atiku’s former spokespersons, Daniel Bwala, met with the president and was later appointed as a Special Adviser on Policy Communication.