Segun Sowunmi defection rumours have dominated Nigeria’s political conversations following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu. But the former spokesman to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly denied any plan to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting he remains a loyal member despite speculation.

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Handshake With Tinubu Sparks Defection Talks

The controversy began after Segun Sowunmi visited President Tinubu at his Lagos residence on June 8, where a friendly handshake between the two men quickly went viral. Many Nigerians interpreted the visit as a sign that Sowunmi was preparing to cross over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, the PDP stalwart dismissed the rumours outright.

“If I wanted to decamp to the APC, I would have done that, but not at this time. I’m still a member of the PDP,” Sowunmi declared.

He explained that he has known President Tinubu since 1994 and that a single handshake should not be mistaken for a political shift.

“I have one handshake, one visit to the president, whom I’ve known for decades, and you think I’m going to just leave my party? No, it doesn’t work that way,” he added.

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Clarifying His Commitment to the PDP

Reiterating his loyalty, Sowunmi said he has stood with the PDP since 1998 and remains focused on strengthening democracy. He expressed concern that after nearly three decades of democratic rule, Nigerians still struggle with insecurity and economic hardship.

“After about 27 years in democracy, and I have been very active, it gets to a point where you start asking the question: is this democracy even working? Why are the people unhappy?” he asked.

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Key Issues Discussed With President Tinubu

While denying any political switch, Sowunmi revealed that his private discussion with the president centered on pressing national matters. These included:

• Insecurity in the North: He voiced alarm over rising violence and the deaths of innocent citizens.
• Economic Hardship: Sowunmi raised concerns about the knock-on effects of Tinubu’s economic policies on ordinary Nigerians.
• Rivers State Politics: He sought clarification on ongoing political tensions in the state, which Tinubu addressed during their talk.

According to Sowunmi, Tinubu provided explanations on these issues that “made sense,” even if they did not amount to policy endorsements.

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Earlier Hints of Possible Defection

Despite his current position, Sowunmi previously told Arise Television on June 10 that there was a “strong possibility” he might leave the PDP in the future. This admission fueled the Segun Sowunmi defection rumours that continue to swirl around his political career.

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Political Context and Reactions

The speculation comes at a time when defections have reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape, with the APC consolidating power after the 2023 general elections. Sowunmi’s meeting with Tinubu has therefore drawn heightened scrutiny from party loyalists and political watchers alike.

For now, however, Sowunmi maintains that his handshake with the president was simply an old friendship gesture, not a signal of defection.