Segun Showunmi urges return to party supremacy to enhance good governance, accountability

An Ogun State chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, Convener of The Alternative has decried the control of party leadership by the governors and president saying that this culture is a major factor undermining Nigeria’s democratic culture.

Otunba Showunmi warned that this undemocratic stand has continues to weaken political institutions and fuel internal crises across parties in the country

The PDP chieftain said that holding the elected officials such as the governors, President among others accountable by the party would always be difficult because it is these same set of people that are dictating the affairs of the party 

The PDP chieftain said that this undemocratic situation became entrenched during the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, when the president was positioned as the leader of the ruling party, with governors also assuming similar dominance at the state level.

He explained that "this arrangement contradicts democratic norms, the political parties are not to be governed by the president or the governors, they are meant to be governed by internal party officials and structures, not controlled by those occupying executive offices.

“In a proper democracy, candidates seek the support of party leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members to secure tickets. 

"After benefiting from that collective effort and arrangement when seeking for elective offices, it becomes an anomaly for such candidates once elected, to claim absolute control of the party".

He described the development as a “major anathema” that has discouraged internal democracy, weakened party cohesion, and accelerated defections, as party members feel excluded once power is secured.

Showunmi further noted that prolonged conflicts between presidents and vice presidents, as well as governors and their deputies, have deepened mistrust within party hierarchies, making it difficult for deputy leaders to play meaningful roles in party administration.

Calling for urgent reforms, the Convener of The Alternative urged political stakeholders to clearly separate executive authority from party management and rebuild political parties as independent democratic institutions.

“Until Nigeria strengthens its parties beyond personalities and executive dominance, the cycle of mistrust, instability, and internal crisis will persist,” Showunmi warned.