A prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed confidence that the ongoing internal disputes within the party will be resolved in the near term.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a religious engagement in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Dr. Hashim said the litigation initiated by the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is already the subject of constructive engagement aimed at an amicable resolution.
He disclosed that key stakeholders from both sides are currently involved in high-level discussions to achieve an out-of-court settlement, noting that a prolonged legal contest particularly one that could reach the Supreme Court would be detrimental to the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.
According to him, with the general elections approaching, it is imperative for the PDP to address and resolve all internal challenges promptly in order to reposition the party for growth and to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process.
Dr. Hashim, a founding member of the PDP, stressed that a functional democracy requires strong and competitive opposition parties, warning that Nigeria must not drift towards a one-party system.
He attributed the recent wave of defections by some PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weak governance records in their respective states and apprehension over the activities of anti-graft agencies.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dr. Hashim asserted that the contest would increasingly be driven by the electorate rather than political parties, emphasizing that Nigerians are now more politically conscious and aware of the influence their votes carry.
