By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Chief Segun Sowunmi, has urged political stakeholders in Nigeria—especially the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP—to do everything possible to make the country work and overcome its many challenges.

Speaking during a virtual Business Meeting organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, Sowunmi emphasized the need for a united national effort as Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

Delivering a talk on the theme, “Politics and Public Relations: Assessing Our Democratic Journey as a Nation,” the former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, said:

“We have only one country, and we must do everything humanly possible to make it work.”

He commended Nigeria’s democratic resilience, noting that despite its imperfections, the Fourth Republic had endured longer than any previous republics.

“Never mind that better-qualified men could not sustain the First, Second, or Third Republics. But this one—though not run by the best philosophers—has lasted 26 years. There must be something we’ve learned, or some group habits we’ve dropped.”

Showunmi emphasized the critical role of leadership and public trust, noting that socio-economic issues such as insurgency and kidnapping are worsened by poverty and the extravagant lifestyles of political elites.

“Poverty alone doesn’t push people into crime. They get emboldened when they see leaders living ostentatiously. It creates a desire to emulate them—by any means necessary.”

Comparing the two major parties, Showunmi admitted that the APC had excelled at crafting compelling, stylized political communication, while the PDP struggled to win public empathy—even when it had good intentions.

“The objective of a PR manager must be believability. My party, the PDP, must first stop its internal haemorrhaging. They need to engage professionals and welcome external consultants who can recommend meaningful reforms.”

“Our rivals, the APC, have mastered the art of perception. That’s why they can get away with so much, while PDP often fails to earn public sympathy—even when bending over backwards.”

He concluded by urging public relations professionals to take a more active role in politics, stressing that effective PR is essential to good governance and shaping national discourse.

Earlier, in her welcome address, NIPR Ogun State Chairman, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, praised the chapter’s dedication, which earned them the Diamond Anniversary Engagement Award at the 2025 Nigeria Public Relations Week held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“This prestigious recognition is not just a plaque—it’s a tribute to our resilience, consistency, and shared commitment to the ideals of our profession,” she said.

Boye also highlighted the importance of the June Business Meeting, describing it as a valuable opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic progress and the crucial role of public relations in national development.