Hashim Attributes Economic Decline to IMF Policies, Calls for Visionary Leadership
Former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Hashim has expressed strong confidence that Nigeria can accelerate its economic recovery and strengthen its economy with the right, responsible, and visionary leadership. He made these remarks during a visit by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officials at his Utako office in Abuja, where he also attributed the country's economic decline to the wholesale use of International Monetary Fund (IMF) policies.
Delegation Reaffirms Support for Hashim's Political Vision
The delegation included PDP chairmen from the 62 wards in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, local government chairmen of the six area councils, and members of the State Working Committee, led by the chairman, Alhaji Ismail Mohammed Dogara. They paid a thank-you visit to Hashim, reaffirming their support for his political vision and pledging to intensify grassroots mobilisation within the PDP.
According to the delegation, the visit aimed to appreciate Hashim's consistent engagement with party members and encourage his continued involvement in efforts to strengthen the party ahead of future elections. They highlighted his unique approach of engaging with grassroots leaders, which they noted is uncommon among other presidential candidates.
Hashim Highlights Nigeria's Past Economic Prosperity
Speaking during the meeting, Hashim emphasized that Nigeria possesses the necessary resources and human capital to rebuild its economy. He stressed that the country's current challenges could be reversed with sound policies and purposeful leadership, pointing to historical examples of economic success.
Hashim noted that Nigeria once enjoyed a strong and vibrant economy driven by transparency, discipline, and productive policies. He recalled that earlier generations of leaders laid foundations that allowed the country to compete favourably with other emerging economies. Specifically, he highlighted that in 1966, Nigeria's GDP doubled that of Malaysia and was larger than Indonesia's, and in 1976, Nigeria's per capita income tripled that of China.
Industrial Growth Under Visionary Leadership
Hashim also cited the industrial growth of the North and other regions during the First Republic as an example of what visionary leadership could achieve. He recalled that policies introduced under the late Northern Premier, Ahmadu Bello, transformed Kaduna into a thriving textile hub that provided employment for thousands of workers.
This experience, according to Hashim, demonstrates that Nigeria still has the capacity to rebuild its industrial base, revive manufacturing, and create large-scale employment for its growing population. He expressed optimism that economic revival remains achievable, stating, "Poverty, disease, ignorance and unemployment are not normal conditions for Nigeria because this country has prospered before."
Call for Grassroots Mobilisation and Party Unity
Hashim called on party officials at the grassroots to strengthen mobilisation efforts, describing ward leaders as the "commanders" of the party's structure whose work is critical to electoral success. He further expressed optimism that ongoing reconciliation efforts within the PDP would restore unity among members, stating, "We will unite the PDP; all the factions have agreed to work together."
Dogara Commends Hashim's Engagement
Earlier in the meeting, the chairman of the PDP in the FCT, Ismail Mohammed Dogara, commended Hashim for maintaining close contact with party members across different levels. He described the former presidential candidate as a pan-Nigerian leader who regularly engages grassroots stakeholders and carries them along in his political activities.
Dogara stated that their visit was to reaffirm their solidarity with Hashim and encourage him to sustain his engagement with party structures across the country. He added, "Other presidential candidates hardly sit down with ward chairmen. You can see how Dr Hashim has humbled himself to engage with us at the grassroots."
Dogara also expressed confidence in the resilience of the Peoples Democratic Party, noting that despite internal challenges, the party still possesses a strong nationwide structure capable of winning future elections.
Meeting Concludes with Calls for Unity
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, grassroots mobilisation, and collective efforts to reposition the party ahead of upcoming political contests. This gathering underscored the importance of leadership and party cohesion in addressing Nigeria's economic and political challenges.
