A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, has sparked political reactions after openly criticising Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing him as “lazy” in the context of preparations toward the 2027 general elections.
Showunmi made the remark while speaking on national political discourse, where he questioned Obi’s level of political engagement and grassroots mobilisation. According to him, winning a presidential election requires consistent party-building, nationwide presence, and sustained political work beyond social media popularity.
He argued that enthusiasm from supporters alone is not enough to secure victory in future elections, insisting that political leadership demands constant engagement with party structures and voters across the country. Showunmi maintained that any aspirant serious about 2027 must begin the hard work early.
The comment has since generated mixed reactions, particularly among supporters of Peter Obi, who insist that the former Anambra State governor remains one of the most visible and issue-driven political figures in the country. Critics of Showunmi’s statement have described it as unfair, while others see it as part of the growing internal debates shaping Nigeria’s political future.
As of the time of this report, Peter Obi has not responded to the remark.
The exchange highlights the intensifying political conversations and positioning already taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
