Segun Showunmi, a former governorship aspirant from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has called for a major overhaul of the party, citing recent election losses as evidence of internal failure. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Showunmi expressed concerns that the PDP has become its own worst enemy after three consecutive election defeats.
Showunmi’s comments highlight the need for the PDP to conduct a thorough internal review, from local wards to the national level, to regain relevance and power. He criticized the party’s reliance on outdated methods and a lack of accountability, emphasizing that the PDP’s core principles have been compromised.
“It is time to truly reform. After three consecutive elections without forming a government, particularly the most recent one, it’s clear we have become our own enemies. There is no point playing the blame game. We must get serious and fix our party,” Showunmi stated.
He pointed out that the party’s failures are not due to external factors but a breakdown in internal structure and strategy. According to him, the PDP must reassess how it campaigns and manages election activities, criticizing the habit of using resources carelessly and failing to properly engage potential voters.
“We can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. Our election management framework needs a strict audit. We cannot pretend not to know that resources are being diverted, and day-of-the-vote activities are poorly handled. This careless attitude has to stop,” he said.
Showunmi called for a more strategic approach to campaigning, noting that gathering party loyalists at rallies is insufficient. He urged the PDP to reach out to a broader audience, including students, civil society, and local influencers, rather than relying on familiar methods that have repeatedly failed.
“The business of assumption is over. We are losing because we are not doing the right things. Winning an election requires more than tribal appeals; it requires a smart, stylized campaign that can attract the critical northern votes,” he emphasized.
He also criticized the attitudes of current PDP governors toward elections, suggesting that their engagement should be compared to that of rival parties to identify weaknesses. Showunmi insisted that the party must forge better relationships with key election stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, to level the playing field.
To turn things around, Showunmi urged the PDP to entrust election responsibilities to those with passion and expertise, warning that failure to adapt will lead to continued defeat. He concluded by asserting that the party’s rivals are not invincible and can be defeated if the PDP reforms and adopts a more disciplined approach.
“The era of assumptions is over. Let’s yield responsibility to those who are knowledgeable and watch our rivals crumble. They may seem strong, but they have clay feet. With the right preparation, we can win. That’s why I continue to preach for the reformation of our party,” he said.
