Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has pledged to rebuild Nigeria’s fractured unity and resist efforts by politicians who exploit ethnic and religious sentiments to advance their ambitions.
Speaking during an interactive session with senior media executives in Lagos at the weekend, Olawepo-Hashim said he would not allow the issue of zoning or other extra-constitutional arrangements to divide the country.
He noted that despite repeated evidence that Nigerian voters care more about development and security than ethnic origin, “a new tribe of political opportunists” continues to use divisive strategies to distract the nation.
“We, on our part, shall continue to rally the nation around issues that unite us rather than issues that divide us,” he said.
PDP Zoning Decision
His remarks come on the heels of the PDP National Executive Committee’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. The move has generated debate within the party, with some stakeholders rejecting the arrangement.
Olawepo-Hashim, however, maintained that his focus would remain on nation-building.
Lessons from the Past
The politician cited Nigeria’s founding fathers as examples of leaders who prioritised unity over ethnic considerations.
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He recalled how Dr Herbert Macaulay, a Yoruba, handed over leadership of the NCNC to Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, an Igbo, and how Chief Obafemi Awolowo supported Ernest Ikoli, an Ijaw, against a fellow Yoruba in the Nigerian Youth Movement.
He also pointed to the First Republic when Joseph Tarka of Tiv extraction backed Kashim Ibrahim, a Kanuri, to win an election in a Tiv-dominated constituency, and how Kano voters supported Chief M.K.O. Abiola, a Yoruba, over their own son, Bashir Tofa, during the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Call for Unity
Drawing inspiration from such examples, Olawepo-Hashim said:
“We draw our inspiration from the noble spirit of commitment to national unity passed down by our heroes past.
We shall not allow the lit flame of unity in diversity to be extinguished by the activities of some political rascals polluting the polity with the filthy lucre they have gathered from the public till.”
He vowed to amplify values that promote unity, insisting that his politics would focus on bridging divides and addressing pressing challenges of economic growth and national security.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
