A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Emmanuel Ogidi, has described President Bola Tinubu as more powerful than the United States President Donald Trump, citing the sweeping powers of Nigeria’s executive office.
He claimed that while certain executive proposals may struggle to pass through the United States Congress, the Nigerian president has greater influence in securing legislative approval from the National Assembly.
Ogidi made the remarks while fielding questions on Trust TV, where he also expressed frustration over recent developments within the opposition party.
Reflecting on internal party matters, Ogidi said some governors who recently defected from the PDP were once active participants in the party’s affairs, including discussions around the proposed 100th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting and the position of National Secretary.
He recalled that some governors had previously canvassed support for the return of Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, noting that discussions were held at the time to address internal disagreements.
He, however, maintained that those who remain in the PDP are committed to democratic principles and party democracy.
Ogidi said: “It’s very sad when you see your fellow party men, those you have shared jokes with… I remember the last time we’re discussing, we wanted to have our 100th NEC meeting, I know how we used to sit with these governors. They were even pleading with us to bring back Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. They will say, look, they are vouching for Anyanwu and so on. I remember all those discussion.
“But for us, this last shocking one, you know, we went to convention, and then we went for some governors at the convention. At the convention ground things happened. Do you know what that means?
“But those of us who are left, we still believe in democracy. We believe that Nigeria should be party democracy. We are resilient, and that’s why we’re still doing what we’re doing.
“Whatever has happened to them we cannot say, but they keep saying that it’s because of their states. That’s what they have said.
“Now we’ll leave them to that, but we do know that they are not happy leaving us. They’re not happy living us. It’s not on their own volition. Things happened.
“The president of Nigeria is the most powerful president the world. Trump? Tinubu is stronger than Trump.”
“The bills that have been going to the National Assembly, Trump can’t do that one in America.
“Trump can’t get it done in the Senate or in the Congress. No, he cannot. But Tinubu can get it done. He can summon them. That’s how powerful the Nigerian president is. So the Nigerian president is so strong. That is why we must be very careful who you elect your president.
“We are taking the bitter pill. That’s why we are frustrated. Nigerians are frustrated.”
Tinubu more powerful than Trump – PDP chieftain, Ogidi