A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State and convener of The Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi, has criticized the domination of party leadership by presidents and governors, warning that the practice undermines Nigeria’s democratic culture.
Showunmi stated that this trend continues to weaken political institutions and fuel internal crises across parties in the country. He noted that holding elected officials, such as governors and the President, accountable within party structures has become difficult because these individuals now dictate party affairs.
Speaking during a radio programme monitored in Abeokuta on Saturday, the PDP chieftain said the practice became entrenched during the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, when the president was positioned as leader of the ruling party and governors assumed similar dominance at the state level.
He explained, “This arrangement contradicts democratic norms, as political parties are not to be governed by the president or the governors, but by internal party officials and structures. 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 elective offices, it becomes an anomaly for such candidates, once elected, to claim absolute control of the party.”
Showunmi described the situation as a “major anathema” that discourages internal democracy, weakens party cohesion, and accelerates defections, as members feel excluded once power is secured.
He further observed that prolonged conflicts between presidents and vice presidents, as well as governors and their deputies, have deepened mistrust within party hierarchies, limiting the roles of deputy leaders in party administration.
Calling for reforms, the convener urged political stakeholders to separate executive authority from party management and rebuild 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.
