Owokoniran Slams PDP Leaders, Says They Betrayed Nigerians for Selfish Gains

Rahman Owokoniran, a former Lagos State commissioner and seasoned politician, has criticized the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of failing in their duties and betraying the trust of the Nigerian people. In a candid interview, Owokoniran expressed profound disappointment with the state of the party, stating that its collapse is largely due to the selfish ambitions and internal betrayals by those at the helm.

Reflecting on the recent death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Owokoniran stated that although the late leader gave what he could, even his own family tacitly admitted his failure through public apologies after his passing. According to him, Buhari’s tenure as president confirmed long-standing doubts about his leadership capacity. “His earlier roles in the military, as petroleum minister, and chairman of PTF already cast a long shadow on his capability,” Owokoniran noted, adding that his presidency was more about settling scores than offering real leadership.

According to IReporter Online, Owokoniran was unapologetic in describing Buhari as a man disconnected from the broader Nigerian reality and driven by ethnic loyalty rather than national purpose. He claimed that Buhari’s narrow worldview and limited understanding of Nigeria’s complexity hindered any chance of meaningful governance.

On the issue of internal conflict within opposition ranks, particularly between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 elections, Owokoniran expressed confidence that the political giants understand what is at stake. He dismissed fears of destabilization, suggesting that a shared vision and trust would eventually guide the opposition toward unity. According to IReporter Online, he believes both leaders have already invested heavily in Nigeria’s democratic development and won’t jeopardize the gains made.

Having recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Owokoniran expressed optimism about its potential. He described the ADC as a vehicle for a healthy democratic opposition capable of providing the ideological strength needed to challenge the ruling party. He said that with the PDP weakened and riddled with internal chaos, the ADC stands a better chance of reshaping the country’s future.

When asked about the ongoing political maneuvering by the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, Owokoniran condemned what he described as the government’s “jungle-style” approach to politics. According to IReporter Online, he criticized the administration for focusing on premature campaigns rather than the responsibilities of governance. He emphasized that the government has repeatedly ignored legal standards, setting a bad example for democratic leadership.

Ultimately, Owokoniran held PDP’s current crisis squarely on the shoulders of its leadership. He accused them of abandoning responsibility, sowing division, and selling out the party’s legacy for personal political gain. “They sacrificed integrity for short-term wins,” he said, lamenting the erosion of dignity within the ranks of a once-respected political institution.