Sowunmi Faults Obi’s Campaign Proposals, Questions Policy Details

Convener of the Alternative Movement, Segun Sowunmi, has criticised the campaign proposals of the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him as a “master of empty campaign.”

Sowunmi made the remarks while discussing the 2027 presidential race on TVC, when he was asked whether the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration had strengthened the campaigns of Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Sowunmi said Obi’s political appeal was largely tied to calls for equity for the South-East, noting that the region had yet to produce a president in the current republic.

“For all of this filibustering, jumping here, jumping there, the greatest thing you can bring to the table emotionally is the need for us to do equity for the South-East, because they have not been president, at least in this republic,” he said.

He, however, questioned some of Obi’s claims about governance and his record as governor of Anambra State.

Sowunmi also referred to the debate over the state’s financial obligations under successive administrations, saying Obi’s claim that his administration did not leave debts had been disputed by his successors.

“All his successors from time have been saying that’s not the true position of thing… That does not mean the things he’s saying are totally correct,” he said.

Sowunmi also questioned the level of detail in Obi’s campaign proposals, particularly his advocacy for moving Nigeria from consumption to production.

“In any case, what is he campaigning on? Peter is a master of campaigning on a prose that he doesn’t even know how to construct,” he said.

He argued that the proposal required clearer details on implementation, funding and timelines, particularly regarding agricultural production.

Sowunmi questioned how the proposed agricultural expansion would be achieved, using Niger State as an example.

“By what magic is he going to force them to the farm? By what magic is he going to ensure? By what magic is he going to do the incentive? What is the cost component of what he’s trying to do? What is the time frame by which he will implement it?” he asked.

He further argued that presidential campaign promises must take into account constitutional and institutional processes, including the role of the National Assembly in passing budgets and the bureaucracy in implementing government policies.

“He will not consider that he’s going to have a National Assembly that has to pass the budget. He will not consider the bureaucracy,” Sowunmi said.

His comments come as Obi, Atiku and other opposition figures continue their political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Sowunmi has previously commented on Obi’s political prospects and has more recently expressed support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.