In a significant show of political strength, various support groups have converged in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, to rally behind the presidential ambition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hopeful, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, for the 2027 general elections.
Grassroots Mobilisation Gains Momentum in Kebbi
The gathering, which took place on 12 January 2026, was aimed at consolidating support structures and expanding community-level outreach for Dr. Hashim's campaign. Operating under different platforms, the groups declared the presidential aspirant as "their son" and pledged massive support for his ambition.
In a statement from the Hashim Media office made available to journalists in Kaduna, the groups urged Nigerians nationwide to rally behind what they described as a credible, inclusive, and unifying leadership project.
A Son of the Soil Receives Home Support
The Leader of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement in Kebbi State, Muhammad Mustapha Yauri, emphasised the local connection. He stated that the people of Kebbi State, particularly those from the Yauri Emirate, consider it a collective responsibility to stand firmly behind Dr. Hashim, who was born in Yauri, Kebbi State.
Yauri highlighted Hashim's multicultural heritage, noting that his late father was an indigene of Kebbi State while his mother is of Yoruba extraction. "This background symbolises national integration, unity, and inclusiveness, qualities Nigeria urgently needs at this critical stage of its democratic journey," Yauri said.
Private Sector Acumen Touted as Key Asset
The National Coordinator of the movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, commended supporters for their enthusiasm. He described Hashim as a worthy son whose background, competence, and global exposure uniquely position him for transformative leadership.
"Hashim, a renowned global businessman, possesses the requisite knowledge, experience, and international networks to reset Nigeria’s development trajectory," Hamzat asserted. He added that this would place the nation on a sustainable path of economic growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Echoing this sentiment, the Chief of Staff to Dr. Hashim, Mr. Kamaldeen Sani Adebayo, described his principal as a successful entrepreneur with business interests across several countries. Adebayo noted that although Dr. Hashim has never held public office, he is driven by a strong desire to give back to the nation through purposeful, transparent, and people-centred leadership.
State-Wide Mobilisation and Broad-Based Promises
The Kebbi State Coordinator of the movement, Yauri, assured that mobilisation efforts would be intensified across all 21 local government areas and social strata in the state to ensure widespread awareness ahead of 2027.
A women leader at the event, Hajiya Hauwa, expressed optimism that a Gbenga Hashim presidency would prioritise the welfare of women, especially in rural communities, through inclusive governance and economic empowerment initiatives.
Further endorsements came from Malam Garkuwa, a PDP coordinator and former council chairman of Shanga Local Government Area, who called for intensified grassroots work. Similarly, Garba Mohammed, coordinator of another pro-Hashim group, assured that his presidency would work for all Nigerians and tackle insecurity decisively.
Analysts Weigh In on Hashim's Prospects
Political analysts observing the development have pointed to several factors that could make Hashim a strong contender. These include his multicultural background, private-sector success, national outlook, and the growing grassroots support evident in regions like Kebbi. The event in Birnin Kebbi, featuring goodwill messages from various group leaders, signals a concerted effort to build a formidable campaign structure from the ground up.
