Nigeria’s democracy is on the brink of collapse, and one man is sounding the alarm. Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has issued a stark warning: the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is allegedly orchestrating a dangerous scheme to dismantle opposition politics and establish a one-party dictatorship. But here’s where it gets controversial—Hashim claims this isn’t just a theory; it’s a coordinated effort already in motion, with recent events serving as proof.
In a bold statement from Doha, Qatar, where he’s attending a religious convention, Hashim condemned the Abuja Federal High Court’s decision to halt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s National Convention, originally scheduled for November 15, 2025, in Ibadan. He didn’t hold back, labeling the ruling as part of a broader strategy to ‘weaponize the judiciary against multiparty democracy.’ According to Hashim, this isn’t an isolated incident but a ‘carefully choreographed plot to paralyze the opposition and entrench authoritarian rule.’
And this is the part most people miss: Hashim also highlighted the alleged blocking of former Jigawa State Governor and PDP founding member, Alhaji Sule Lamido, from purchasing a nomination form to contest for the National Chairman position. He called this a ‘blatant assault on internal party democracy,’ raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the party’s processes.
Hashim didn’t stop there. He pointed fingers at ‘fifth columnists’ within the PDP, accusing them of either knowingly or unknowingly collaborating with APC-aligned forces to sabotage the party’s reform efforts. ‘It’s clear that both external pressures and internal sabotage are being used to prevent the PDP from reemerging as a credible alternative,’ he asserted. This claim is sure to spark debate—are these accusations valid, or is Hashim overstepping?
Despite these challenges, Hashim remains defiant. He vowed that loyal party members will ‘resist every attempt to kill opposition and destroy pluralism in Nigeria.’ ‘Those celebrating the creeping civilian dictatorship should pause,’ he warned. ‘The true soldiers of democracy are still standing.’
Upon his return to Nigeria, Hashim plans to resume high-level consultations with key stakeholders, aiming to unite ‘genuine leaders and men and women of conscience’ to protect democratic freedoms. ‘The darkest hour comes before dawn,’ he assured, promising a new day for Nigeria’s democracy. He urged PDP members to remain resolute, stating, ‘Do not despair, do not faint.’
But here’s the question that lingers: Is Hashim’s warning a call to action or an overreaction? Are the APC’s actions truly a threat to democracy, or is this a necessary reshaping of Nigeria’s political landscape? Let’s hear your thoughts—do you agree with Hashim’s assessment, or is there another side to this story? Share your opinions in the comments below.
