A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Sowunmi, has strongly defended former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s right to vie for the presidency, stating that no amount of criticism or political pressure can override his constitutional entitlement.
Speaking in an interview with *Vanguard*, Sowunmi dismissed recurring criticisms about Atiku’s multiple bids for the nation’s top office, stressing that the decision to contest any election lies solely with the individual and is firmly protected under Nigeria’s constitution.
“The first thing people must understand,” Sowunmi said, “is that politics involves a lot of suggestions, persuasion, arguments, pressure, and even bullying—but whether or not a person chooses to run is entirely their constitutional right. The political party platform is there, and the law supports their freedom to contest.”
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He criticized the growing tendency of diverting energy toward discouraging Atiku, arguing that such efforts are misplaced. “People are spending too much time trying to bully Atiku, but the truth is—he cannot be bullied,” he asserted.
Sowunmi also reiterated that political parties, including the PDP, have the autonomy to zone their presidential tickets as they see fit, in accordance with their internal rules—not external sentiments.
“What law exists that can stop anyone from running, especially when our laws expressly provide for the right to contest? We’ve even gone as far as enshrining these freedoms in our legal framework,” he added.
Reflecting on Atiku’s political journey, Sowunmi noted that the former vice president has experienced both wins and losses in party primaries, and like every eligible Nigerian, deserves the right to keep trying.
“He has participated in primaries he didn’t win, and others he did win. The bigger point is this: let’s not waste energy trying to deny people their rights. Democracy thrives when everyone has a fair chance,” Sowunmi concluded.
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