2027: Gbenga Hashim rallies alliance to break APC grip, opens talks with Accord Party

2026-03-29 - 18:53

By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA — A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Hashim, is stepping up efforts to build a cross-party alliance ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that Nigeria could be drifting towards a one-party state. The effort comes against the backdrop of growing concern within opposition ranks that, unless parties close ranks quickly, the political space could tighten further, leaving voters with fewer real choices against the ruling All Progressives Congress. Hashim spoke in Abuja while hosting leaders of the Accord Party, led by its National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem. The delegation also included National Secretary Adebukola Abiola Ajaja, National Treasurer Salaudeen Abdulazeez Oyeniyi and Organising Secretary Ibe ThankGod. During the meeting, he stressed the urgency of opposition unity, noting that collaboration among political actors is essential to preserve democratic pluralism and maintain institutional balance. The meeting is part of a wider round of consultations by the PDP aspirant. It follows his recent appearance on national television, where he raised concerns about what he described as a creeping move towards a one-party system allegedly driven by the ruling party under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He argued that opposition parties are increasingly constrained by internal divisions and external pressures, weakening their ability to organise and function effectively. Hashim also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the commission of imposing what he described as an unconstitutional electoral timetable. He referenced provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly Section 29(1), which stipulates that political parties must submit their list of candidates no later than 120 days before an election. According to him, the law implies that parties should have until around August or September to conclude their primaries. He, however, criticised INEC’s directive requiring primaries to end by May, arguing that it effectively shortens the timeline by several months and places undue pressure on opposition parties already grappling with internal disputes and litigation. While acknowledging recent adjustments by INEC to deadlines for submission of party registers, Hashim maintained that the fundamental concern regarding the compressed timetable remains unresolved. Earlier in the year, Hashim held talks with Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate and national chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), in what observers view as part of a sustained push towards opposition alignment. Across these engagements, Hashim has continued to warn against any attempt to concentrate political power in a way that could undermine democratic choice, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must be safeguarded through cooperation among political stakeholders committed to accountability, equity and a competitive multi-party system. The ongoing consultations point to a renewed effort to build alliances among opposition figures, as talks are expected to continue in the months ahead of future elections.