Peter Obi is my biggest political disappointment, blasts Sowunmi

A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has described former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as his “biggest political disappointment” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in an interview that has stirred reactions across political circles, Sowunmi expressed frustration over Obi’s perceived failure to capitalize on the momentum and moral advantage he gained during the 2023 presidential race.

“Peter Obi is my greatest disappointment. After all the energy of 2023, the youth support, the moral high ground — you would expect him to lead the charge for a strong opposition front. But what do we see? Silence. Isolation. A missed opportunity,” Sowunmi declared.

Sowunmi argued that instead of taking initiative to unite the fragmented opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Obi has remained politically aloof, missing a critical moment to build a formidable coalition.

“There was a window — a real one — to rally Nigerians who are tired of this status quo. But leadership is not just about winning applause at rallies; it’s about hard, strategic work. That coalition has not happened, and I lay that blame, in part, at Peter Obi’s feet,” he added.

Obi, who came third in the 2023 presidential election with over six million votes and unprecedented youth support, has yet to formally initiate any known collaborative strategy with other opposition leaders, including PDP’s Atiku Abubakar or New Nigeria Peoples Party’s (NNPP) Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Sowunmi’s remarks are expected to rekindle debate over the state of Nigeria’s opposition politics, especially with less than two years until the next general election. Many analysts agree that unless the opposition finds common ground soon, the APC could benefit once again from a divided field.

Efforts to reach Peter Obi’s camp for a response were unsuccessful as of press time.

As political realignments begin to take shape, Sowunmi’s comments underscore growing anxieties within opposition ranks not just about ideology, but about the absence of unifying leadership in a critical election cycle.