Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, on Sunday cautioned against a gradual drift towards a one party state, urging opposition parties to unite to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
Olawepo-Hashim made the call in Abuja while hosting leaders of the Accord Party as part of ongoing consultations aimed at building a broad based political coalition ahead of future elections. The delegation was led by National Chairman Maxwell Mgbudem alongside National Secretary Adebukola Ajaja, National Treasurer Salaudeen Abdulazeez Oyeniyi, and Organising Secretary Ibe ThankGod.
According to a statement from the Olawepo Hashim Media Office, the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration among opposition parties amid what he described as growing political consolidation by the ruling party. “Nigerians must resist any attempt, subtle or overt, to turn our country into a one party state. Democracy thrives on competition, plurality, and the freedom of citizens to make choices,” he said.
He expressed concern that Nigeria’s democratic space was shrinking, warning that unchecked dominance by a single political platform under the All Progressives Congress led by President Bola Tinubu could weaken accountability and good governance. “What we are witnessing is a gradual drift that could weaken democratic institutions if stakeholders do not act collectively and decisively,” he added.
Olawepo-Hashim also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission over what he described as an unconstitutional timetable for party primaries, arguing that the schedule contradicts Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, which allows parties to submit candidates not later than 120 days before an election. He stressed that the compressed timeline places undue pressure on opposition parties already facing internal disputes and litigation.
The PDP aspirant highlighted the urgency of building bridges across party lines to present a credible and united alternative to Nigerians. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting democracy through cooperation, accountability, and a truly competitive multi party system. Earlier consultations this year included talks with Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress, signaling efforts toward opposition alignment.
Olawepo-Hashim concluded, “We must protect the integrity of our democracy through cooperation accountability and a commitment to a truly competitive multi party system,” adding that consultations with opposition figures will continue in the coming months.
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