A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Emmanuel Ogidi, has stirred political debate after declaring that President Bola Tinubu is more powerful than former United States President Donald Trump.
Ogidi based his claim on what he described as the wide-reaching powers of Nigeria’s executive arm.
He said the Nigerian president enjoys stronger control over the legislature than his American counterpart.
The PDP chieftain made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV, where he also spoke on the internal crisis rocking the opposition party.
According to him, some governors who recently left the PDP were once deeply involved in party decisions.
He said they participated in discussions on the proposed 100th National Executive Committee meeting and the issue of the National Secretary.
Ogidi recalled that several of the defecting governors had earlier pushed for the return of Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
He said meetings were held to resolve disagreements and keep the party united.
Despite the wave of defections, Ogidi insisted that members who remain in the PDP are committed to democracy and internal party discipline.
Speaking during the interview, he said:
“The president of Nigeria is the most powerful president the world. Trump? Tinubu is stronger than Trump.”
He argued that bills sent to Nigeria’s National Assembly are often passed with little resistance compared to what happens in the United States Congress.
He added:
“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.”
Ogidi further stated that the strength of presidential power in Nigeria calls for caution during elections.
He said Nigerians must be careful about who they choose as president because of the influence attached to the office.
He also linked the current frustrations in the PDP to what he described as pressure from political forces and the burden being felt by ordinary citizens.
According to him, party members who defected did not leave willingly but were pushed by circumstances in their states.
He maintained that those still in the party remain resilient and committed to democratic values.
Ogidi concluded that the frustration being expressed within the PDP reflects the wider frustration of Nigerians over governance and political instability.