Ogun PDP leader criticises executive control over party affairs
Segun Showunmi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party and convener of The Alternative Movement, has expressed concern over the dominance of presidents and governors in party leadership. He argues that this trend undermines Nigeria’s democratic values and weakens political institutions. Showunmi believes that elected officials controlling party structures leads to internal crises and discourages party cohesion. He is calling for reforms to separate executive authority from party management.
Key takeaways
- Segun Showunmi criticised the grip of presidents and governors on party leadership, saying it undermines democracy.
- He noted that this practice makes it difficult to hold elected officials accountable within party structures.
- Showunmi said the trend became entrenched during the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo.
- He described the situation as a “major anathema” that weakens party cohesion and encourages defections.
- He called for reforms to rebuild parties as independent democratic institutions, free from executive dominance.
