…warns that 2027 Elections must not fall below 2015 Democratic Standard
The Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed concern over recent public remarks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his greatest worry is not political rivalry but the future of Nigeria’s democracy and the wellbeing of the President.
Hashim, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), spoke while reacting to President Tinubu’s comments during a recent meeting with Catholic bishops at the State House, Abuja.
According to him, he listened repeatedly to the President’s remarks and came away saddened by what he described as a noticeable change from the Tinubu he interacted with between 2018 and 2021.
“I listened to the recording over and over again. That was not the Bola Tinubu I knew between 2018 and 2021. I left deeply concerned. I am not making a medical diagnosis, but the President’s public communication gives me the impression that he may require genuine help,” Hashim said.
The Accord Party presidential candidate insisted that his comments should not be viewed through a political lens, stressing that they stem from genuine human concern.
“Unlike many Nigerians who are angry with him, I genuinely feel pity for President Tinubu. My greatest worry is that those around him appear more interested in securing another election than in giving him the attention he deserves. If they truly love him, they should place his wellbeing, comportment and the national interest above politics.”
Hashim, however, cautioned that whatever personal challenges the President may be facing should never become a justification for weakening Nigeria’s democratic institutions or compromising the integrity of future elections.
He recalled the peaceful transition of power in 2015, when former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat and handed over to the opposition, describing the exercise as one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic history.
According to him, the election enhanced Nigeria’s global democratic reputation and set a standard that must not be abandoned.
“That election elevated Nigeria’s democratic standing before the world. Ironically, the beneficiary of that democratic maturity was the party that produced President Tinubu. History must not now be reversed.”
Hashim maintained that the 2027 general election must meet and preferably surpass the credibility recorded in 2015.
“Let it be heard loudly across Nigeria and beyond: any election that falls short of the 2015 democratic standard will not be acceptable to the Nigerian people or to Nigeria’s friends across the world.”
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other democratic institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with neutrality, professionalism and fairness.
“The credibility of the 2027 elections will shape the future of our democracy. Nigeria needs free, fair and transparent elections—not coronations. Our institutions must remain loyal to the Constitution rather than to any individual or political party,” he said.
Hashim further argued that Nigeria’s democracy is bigger than the ambitions of any government, political party or political interest, adding that the country’s democratic gains must be protected for future generations.
“This is a defining moment for our nation. We owe future generations a democracy that is stronger than the one we inherited. Nigeria must continue to move forward, not backwards,” he added.
