Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson, Segun Sowunmi, has raised concerns about the reaction that could follow the 2027 presidential election.
Sowunmi said President Bola Tinubu may face accusations of rigging if he wins the election, regardless of how the poll is conducted. He spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday. The discussion focused on Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 presidential race and the possible political consequences of the election.
Sowunmi Predicts Post-Election Controversy
According to Sowunmi, the declaration of a winner may not bring an end to the political battle. He said the losing side could question the result and accuse the winner of manipulating the process. Sowunmi specifically expressed sympathy for Tinubu over what he believes could happen after the election.
“I pity him (Tinubu) because after he wins, they’re going to start saying he rigged,” Sowunmi said.
He argued that political parties must prepare their supporters to accept the outcome of the poll. The former PDP spokesperson said Nigeria could face serious tension if candidates refuse to recognise the decision of voters.
Sowunmi Says Acceptance Matters More Than Victory
Sowunmi shifted attention from the possible winner of the election to what happens after the results are announced. He said political actors must learn to handle both victory and defeat responsibly. In his view, the reaction of candidates and their supporters could have a bigger impact on Nigeria’s stability than the actual result.
“The biggest challenge for the stability of this country going forward is not so much who will win or who will lose, but how they will accept outcomes,” he said.
Sowunmi noted that candidates may enter an election with strong expectations of victory. However, voters ultimately have the power to decide who takes office. He urged politicians to respect that decision, even when the result goes against them.
‘People Can Vote For Your Rival’
The PDP chieftain also reminded political candidates that electoral competition works both ways. A candidate may have supporters who vote for him, but those same voters have the freedom to choose another candidate.
“Because if you do an election and people can vote for you, they can vote for your rival,” he said.
Sowunmi said candidates must therefore accept that defeat remains a possibility in every democratic contest. He warned against prolonged rejection of an election result after an opponent has secured victory. According to him, constant protests and accusations could create tension instead of addressing genuine electoral concerns. He questioned why a candidate who receives the votes of Nigerians should become the target of hostility simply because opponents disagree with the result.
“And if they do happen to vote for your rival and he wins, if you insist that all you are going to be doing is screaming up and down and instigating the society, how does the winner become the victim of the votes people gave him?” Sowunmi asked.
Sowunmi Urges Parties To Use Legal Channels
Sowunmi called on political parties and their candidates to put the stability of Nigeria ahead of their individual interests. He said candidates who believe an election was flawed should challenge the result through the available legal and electoral processes.
The former PDP spokesperson stressed that political disagreements should not become a reason to threaten peace in the country. He maintained that accepting the decision of voters would be important after the 2027 presidential election. His comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify, with political parties and prominent figures already preparing for the contest.
Read also: Atiku, Makinde Absent as Presidential Candidates Sign Peace Pact
