April 6 2026

A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has expressed that any individual aiming to replace President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections must have not only superior political insight but also come from Nigeria’s southern area.

Sowunmi shared these thoughts during his participation on Mic On Podcast, where he talked about the changing nature of Nigeria’s political environment and the essential traits for challenging a sitting president.

He stated that to defeat Tinubu, a candidate must possess remarkable intellect, strategic acumen, and a solid grasp of the nation’s political landscape.

“Anyone wishing to defeat Tinubu must be more intelligent than him and should originate from the south,” Sowunmi remarked, stressing that both intellectual capabilities and geographical factors will significantly impact the upcoming presidential election.

He clarified that his viewpoint is influenced by his analysis of Nigeria’s political past and the necessity of zoning for balancing the country's democratic framework.

Sowunmi contended that endorsing a robust southern candidate would resonate with current political feelings and provide a credible threat to the sitting president.

Looking back at his previous political choices, Sowunmi disclosed that he had once been prepared to back Peter Obi, the ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, even if it meant sidelining his own aspirations.

He mentioned that this decision was motivated by a wish to challenge the entrenched notion that a southerner could not attain the presidency.

“I was willing to support Peter Obi to demonstrate that a southerner can hold the presidential office,” he remarked, stating that the concept of regional constraints in Nigeria’s politics must be examined and ultimately disproven during elections.

Sowunmi additionally highlighted that overcoming Tinubu would involve more than just popularity or public support. He asserted that any serious rival would need to showcase the ability to outsmart, outmaneuver, and outwork the current president.

“You need to strategize better, you need to exert more effort, and you need to know the political landscape more thoroughly than he does,” he said, citing Tinubu’s status as a veteran political tactician with extensive knowledge of Nigeria’s political system.

The PDP leader also emphasized the significance of forming strategic partnerships and having organizational strength, pointing out that victories in elections depend not solely on ideas but also on the capability to create coalitions and gather support from various regions.

He stated that the political balance in Nigeria can shift, but only if opposition leaders approach the competition with focus, unity, and a distinct vision.

He cautioned that in the absence of these aspects, even a capable candidate may find it hard to gain ground against an established incumbent with a solid political foundation.

Naija news channel