A former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
His return is part of the PDP’s rebuilding process.
NATIONAL POST reports that after the 2019 election, the politician defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2021, from where he has now returned to the PDP.
Hashim believed that despite past challenges, internal divisions, and defections, the PDP remains the only truly national party with the capacity to rescue Nigeria in 2027 from its current challenges.
Speaking during a high level engagement with the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday, the former presidential candidate of People's Trust in the 2019 election, explained that from the beginning, the PDP was built as a national platform.
He added that since 1998, there has been a sizable PDP presence in virtually every polling unit across the country, saying that the legacy remains alive, and it is that national spread that makes PDP the only credible alternative to the APC.
According to Hashim, "the PDP’s grassroots base remains intact, even as some elected officials defected under pressure or political blackmail. I dismissed fears about the party’s dwindling influence."
He urged party members not be discouraged by those who have left, believing that the real strength of any party is not in a few powerful individuals, but in its people and the people are still with the PDP.
Hashim lauded Ambassador Umar Damagun, Acting National Chairman of the PDP's leadership during turbulent times and praised him for his wisdom and calm with which he has held the reins of this party is commendable and has also kept the house standing when others wanted to tear it apart.
Hashim urged the party to present a credible, visionary candidate who will prioritize national security, economic revival, and social justice with a clear nod toward the 2027 presidential race
He believed that Nigerians were looking for a new kind of leadership.
According to him, with unity, discipline and courage, the PDP will rise again, not just to win elections, but to rebuild Nigeria.