A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, has launched a sharp critique of former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, describing him as “lazy” when it comes to structural and institutional political thinking.

Speaking during an interview on Hard Copy, a political programme aired on Channels Television, Showunmi questioned Obi’s consistency and long-term strategy within Nigeria’s complex party system. The interview was monitored by journalists and later reported by DAILY POST.

According to Showunmi, Peter Obi’s frequent movement across political parties has weakened his chances of building a formidable and enduring political structure capable of delivering electoral victory at the national level.

Showunmi Questions Obi’s Political Consistency

Showunmi argued that Obi’s decision to leave established political platforms at critical moments reflects a lack of seriousness and foresight.

“Peter Obi is not serious. He doesn’t know where his victory card is,” Showunmi said during the programme.

He maintained that Obi could have strengthened his chances by remaining within a single political platform and patiently building influence rather than constantly realigning.

“He could have stayed in the Labour Party, and there could have been a clear path to victory for him. Every time he’s moving around. I don’t deal with that kind of laziness,” Showunmi added.

Akahi News gathered that Showunmi’s remarks have already sparked widespread reactions across political circles and social media, particularly among supporters of the former Anambra State governor.

‘Lazy When It Comes to Structural Thinking’

Expanding on his criticism, Showunmi accused Obi of failing to understand the importance of political structures, party loyalty, and long-term grassroots organisation.

“When it comes to structural thinking, Peter Obi is very lazy,” he said. “He is too lazy to think that if he had remained in APGA all this while, he couldn’t have built the crowd he has now.”

The PDP chieftain suggested that Obi’s popularity surge could have been more strategically channelled if it had been anchored on a consistent party platform over the years.

Akahi News learnt that political analysts often point to Nigeria’s party machinery and internal structures as decisive factors in winning primaries and general elections, regardless of public popularity.

Atiku’s Experience and the Reality of Party Primaries

Showunmi also weighed in on Obi’s alignment with political heavyweights, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he described as a formidable force within party primaries.

“Now he has aligned himself with people among whom I know he can’t even win a primary,” Showunmi said.

He emphasised that Atiku’s long-standing experience gives him an edge in internal party contests.

“I know Atiku very well, and nobody takes him for granted when it comes to primaries because he has institutional experience of how these things work out since 1992,” he stated.

According to Showunmi, it is unrealistic for any aspirant to enter a major political party and insist on automatic consensus without navigating internal democratic processes.

“You don’t come to a political party with that kind of man and start screaming that if it’s not Peter Obi, you won’t agree. Who will listen to that?” he asked rhetorically.

Reactions and Broader Political Implications

The comments have further intensified debates about opposition unity, party loyalty, and strategic planning ahead of future elections. While Obi enjoys strong grassroots and youth support, critics like Showunmi argue that popularity alone cannot replace deep-rooted party structures.

Akahi News gathered that supporters of Peter Obi have dismissed the remarks as partisan attacks, while others believe the criticism highlights genuine challenges within Nigeria’s opposition politics.

As political alignments continue to shift, Showunmi’s comments underscore a recurring theme in Nigeria’s democracy: the tension between mass appeal and institutional strength.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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