Olawepo-Hashim says PDP crisis threatens Nigeria’s democracy
Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party, has voiced his concerns about the ongoing crisis within the PDP and its impact on the broader opposition in Nigeria. He revealed that internal divisions and attempts to shift the party’s direction led to his decision to leave. According to Olawepo-Hashim, the situation goes beyond leadership disputes and points to a deliberate effort to weaken opposition parties. He warns that the erosion of democratic space could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s future.
Key takeaways
- Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim left the PDP due to deepening internal divisions and a shift in the party’s objectives.
- He claims a faction within the PDP sought to gain legal and political control to support President Bola Tinubu as a consensus candidate.
- Olawepo-Hashim believes the crisis is part of a broader pattern affecting multiple opposition parties in Nigeria.
- He warns that lack of transparency and shrinking democratic space are undermining public trust and discouraging investment.
- Despite the challenges, he remains confident that attempts to suppress opposition will ultimately fail, citing Nigeria’s history of valuing political plurality.
