Gbenga Hashim Warns Against One-Party Drift, Calls for Opposition Unity
Dr. Gbenga Hashim, the presidential hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 elections, has intensified cross-party consultations aimed at forging a broad-based coalition to counter what he described as a gradual drift toward a one-party state in Nigeria. Hashim made these remarks while hosting leaders of the Accord Party in Abuja, led by its National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem.
Urgent Need for Opposition Collaboration
During the meeting, Hashim stressed the urgency of opposition unity, emphasizing that collaboration among political actors is essential to preserve democratic pluralism and institutional balance. He argued that Nigerians must resist what he called a gradual drift to a one-party state, which he believes is being driven by the ruling All Progressives Congress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Hashim noted that opposition parties are increasingly constrained by internal divisions and external pressures that undermine their capacity to organize and function effectively.
Other members of the Accord Party delegation included the Party’s National Secretary, Hon. Adebukola Abiola Ajaja; National Treasurer, Salaudeen Abdulazeez Oyeniyi; and Organising Secretary, Hon. Ibe ThankGod. This engagement follows Hashim’s recent appearance on Channels Television, where he raised concerns about a creeping move toward a one-party system.
Criticism of INEC's Electoral Timetable
Hashim also criticized 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, this law implies that parties should have until around August or September to conclude their primaries.
However, Hashim criticized 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.
Broader Engagement Strategy and Historical Ties
The latest meeting is part of a broader engagement strategy by Hashim. Earlier in the year, he held talks with Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate and national chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), in what observers view as a sustained push toward opposition alignment. Speaking during that engagement, Sowore described Hashim as a mentor during their days at the University of Lagos, noting that his early exposure to student activism under Hashim helped shape his political consciousness.
Across these engagements, Hashim reiterated that Nigeria’s democracy must be safeguarded through cooperation among political stakeholders committed to accountability, equity, and a competitive multi-party system. He warned against any attempt to concentrate political power in a manner that could undermine democratic choice.
Analysts Weigh In on Political Implications
Political analysts have noted that the series of consultations signals a renewed effort to deepen ideological politics and strengthen coalition-building among opposition figures, amid concerns over political consolidation and a shrinking democratic space. According to Hashim, these consultations are expected to continue in the coming months as stakeholders explore pathways for broader cooperation ahead of future elections.
This proactive approach highlights the growing anxiety among opposition leaders about the health of Nigeria’s democracy and the need for a united front to ensure a vibrant and competitive political landscape.
