'My Umbilical Cord Not Tied To PDP', Sowunmi Hints At Possible Defection

Segun Sowunmi, Frm. Spokesperosn, Atiku Abubakar Presidential campaign 

·     Segun Sowunmi’s political pivot - the missed opportunities in the interview, and the public reactions

·     Signals but no formal declaration

·     A high-profile flirtation, not a confirmed defection

FROM DNA TO A LIKELY DEFECTION: A Political Rebirth or Realignment?

The video titled “My Umbilical Cord Not TiedTo PDP” features Otunba Segun Sowunmi on Hard Copy, where he discusses several political developments and personal reflections:

Key Topics Covered:

·       Possible Defection from PDP: Sowunmi signals a breakaway from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), stating that his “umbilical cord is not tied” to the party—suggesting openness to future political realignment.

·       Critique of Internal Party Politics: He touches on dissatisfaction with how PDP operates internally, hinting at reasons why loyal members might consider leaving.

·       Political Identity Shift: He distances himself from previous statements such as “PDP is in my DNA,” showing a personal evolution in his political stance.

·       Public Perception and Backlash: The interview highlights public and social media reactions—some praising his transparency, others criticizing his perceived inconsistency or opportunism.

·       Broader Nigerian Political Landscape: Sowunmi reflects on governance, upcoming elections, and the need for visionary leadership, subtly referencing his views on current political leadership and structures.

When Otunba Segun Sowunmi, a long-time vocal advocate for the People's Democratic Party (PDP), boldly declared, “My umbilical cord is not tied to the PDP,” it reverberated far beyond the studio of Hard Copy. For those who have followed his fiery interviews and spirited defences of PDP values, this felt like watching a priest step away from the altar mid-sermon. But is this a moment of authentic political transformation, or a familiar detour in Nigeria’s well-worn route of political migration?

… By A Concerened Nigerian Voter

A Sharp Turn from Familiar Terrain

Sowunmi, once self-described as having “PDP in his DNA,” now appears to be seeking an identity beyond the party. In his discussion with anchor Kayla Megwa, he expressed disenchantment with the PDP's internal machinery, citing frustrations that sounded more like long-standing grievances than recent revelations. Yet, for all the candour, some viewers couldn’t help but notice the fog surrounding his next steps.

Would he realign with the All Progressives Congress (APC), the very party he’d often criticized? Or is this a move towards a new, perhaps more personal political platform? When pressed, his answers danced around the core of that question—leaving viewers both intrigued and suspicious.

Missed Opportunities, Unasked Questions

While the interview was rich in dramatic metaphors and emotional rhetoric, several areas could’ve sharpened the conversation:

• Specific Triggers: What exact decisions or events made Sowunmi reconsider his loyalty?
• Concrete Plans: Is he running for office? Forming a new political movement? Retiring quietly?
• Political Ideology: Beyond party politics, what does he truly stand for?
• National Discourse: Does this shift mirror a broader trend of ideological fluidity and opportunism in Nigeria’s politics?

These questions matter—not just for clarity, but for accountability. Defections are not new. But they ought to be explained, not just justified.

The Court of Public Opinion

Online reactions to Sowunmi’s remarks were as layered as Nigeria’s political terrain:

Tone	Common Themes
Admiring	Applauded his courage to evolve and “speak from the heart.”
Cynical	Saw this as a prelude to a strategic leap into APC circles.
Humorous	Quipped about his transformation from “DNA to defection.”
Critical	Accused him of opportunism and lacking ideological backbone.

A telling comment read, “This month’s salary must have dropped already for our new presidential spokesperson-in-waiting.” Another noted, “From ‘give me PDP’ to ‘I’m done explaining’—what a journey.”

In the End, Substance Must Surpass Slogans

Sowunmi has the gift of eloquence and a flair for theatrical delivery. But Nigeria’s democracy doesn’t need more poets in politics, it needs clarity, courage, and consistency. For every party loyalist reconsidering their place, Sowunmi’s story serves as both a blueprint and a cautionary tale.

Until we hear more about what he stands for, beyond what he’s walking away from, this defection will remain a loud echo, not a new anthem.