The North Central Zonal Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held over the weekend in Jos, Plateau State, became an unexpected political spectacle as former presidential candidate and nationalist, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim’s presence was overwhelming despite not being physically present or officially declaring his return to the party.
Many reports indicate he may have quietly returned to the party over the months given his intense consultations with major stakeholders in the zone, such as meeting with the only PDP Governor in the zone, Caleb Muftwang; former Governor of Benue, Chief Samuel Ortom; Senator Zainab Kure from Niger State, chairmen of the six North Central states and FCT, among other key stakeholders.
He reportedly held a big meeting with critical stakeholders in his immediate constituency, the FCT, which was kept away from the media.
Information has it that he has also held several meetings with the acting National PDP Chairman, Umar Damagum .
Dr. Hashim’s influence was impossible to miss in Jos at the weekend. His banners, flyers and messages towered over the venue, sparking excitement and debate among delegates from Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and the FCT
Observers said the sudden surge of support for Hashim was a reflection of deep-rooted discontent within the PDP and a growing demand for ideological clarity, unity and credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Dr. Gbenga-Hashim, one of the conveners of the PDP in 1998 and its first elected Deputy National Publicity Secretary, represents a breath of fresh air. He has integrity, experience and a national outlook,” said an elected zonal officer from Benue.
“The PDP needs new energy, and the crowd’s response today shows people are ready for change,” a party member at the Jos convention said.
Hashim, a respected businessman, human rights activist and one-time presidential aspirant, has built a reputation for principled politics, democratic advocacy and economic nationalism.
Although he has yet to formally declare his return to the PDP, many party members are already hailing his potential comeback as a turning point.
Analysts said the congress in Jos could mark the beginning of a broader party realignment.
“What we witnessed in Jos wasn’t just political optics, it was a statement. Hashim’s rising profile signals that the PDP may be ready to return to its founding values and reintroduce ideological politics into Nigeria’s democratic discourse,”said Hadiza Aminu, an Abuja-based political analyst.