Segun Sowunmi Gives Detailed Account Of His Experience During His Condolence Visit To El-Rufai

 

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has shared a reflective account of his condolence visit to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the death of his mother.

In a lengthy statement, Sowunmi described the encounter as a deeply human moment that transcended politics, noting that El-Rufai appeared visibly affected by both grief and recent pressures.

According to him, the visit revealed a different side of the former governor, one far removed from the usual political persona.

“In that quiet moment, what stood before me was not the public figure many have come to debate, but a son in mourning,” he said, adding that the experience served as a reminder of the shared humanity beneath political rivalries.

Sowunmi used the opportunity to reflect on the nature of politics in Nigeria, describing it as a demanding space that often tests the balance between ambition and empathy. He questioned how political actors, despite shared goals and backgrounds, sometimes inflict deep divisions on one another.

He also acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in managing tensions, noting that leadership is not only defined by success but also by the ability to de-escalate conflicts and promote unity.

Speaking on his long-standing relationship with El-Rufai, Sowunmi recalled his time as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, describing him as disciplined, detail-oriented, and capable of assembling effective teams to deliver on policy objectives.

He further referenced the political groundwork that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that it was built on deliberate strategy and collaboration among key actors.

The PDP chieftain also touched on policy efforts, particularly in the power sector, suggesting that significant planning had gone into addressing Nigeria’s longstanding challenges before being disrupted by political rivalries.

Sowunmi warned that Nigeria’s political environment often undermines competence, especially when individuals begin to emerge as influential figures, a trend he said could hinder national progress.

He further observed that with the declining centrality of former President Muhammadu Buhari in the political landscape, particularly in the northern region, a leadership vacuum is gradually emerging.

According to him, such moments of transition, combined with personal adversity, could reshape political trajectories in unexpected ways.

As reactions continue to trail his remarks, Sowunmi’s reflections have sparked conversations about empathy in politics, leadership transitions, and the intersection of personal loss with public life in Nigeria.