As political alignments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, former presidential candidate and party chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called for an open and competitive presidential primary.
In a statement released by his media aide, Hassan Mahmoud, Olawepo-Hashim threw his weight behind the possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Labour Party flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi, to the PDP presidential contest.
Describing their speculated return as “a welcome development,” Olawepo-Hashim said, “The more, the merrier.”
He stated that a competitive primary would not create division but instead reaffirm the PDP’s identity as the “true party of democracy in Nigeria.”
His words: “The PDP was never designed to be an exclusive club. It was conceived as a national platform, an umbrella big enough to accommodate diverse opinions, ideologies, and ambitions.”
Reflecting on the party’s formation in 1998, Olawepo-Hashim recalled his role as secretary of the publicity subcommittee chaired by the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo.
He also remembered how the party adopted the now-famous umbrella symbol, originally suggested by a journalist during that foundational period.
He praised the spirit of unity and healthy competition that characterized the PDP’s early years, citing political pioneers such as Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Prof. Jubril Aminu, and others who contributed to building a vibrant political platform.
He noted: “We had giants under one roof, many of whom could have been great presidents. Some stepped down their ambitions, others submitted to open contest. That is how Obasanjo emerged in Jos in 1999.”
Olawepo-Hashim warned against “backdoor consensus and gatekeeping politics,” arguing that the PDP’s strength and national appeal came from its internal democracy and openness to all Nigerians.
“Those who feared competition left. But those who stayed gave Nigeria a chance at true democratic transition,” he added.
Reiterating his belief in open competition, Olawepo-Hashim maintained that any Nigerian with vision and capacity should be allowed to contest.
“If Jonathan, Atiku, Obi, or anyone else wants to contest, they should be welcomed. Let Nigerians hear their ideas. Let the best vision win,” he said.