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By Lawrence Agbo
A former presidential contender and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has said the views of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, cannot determine the decisions of the party amid its ongoing internal crisis.
Olawepo-Hashim made the remark during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday while speaking on efforts to reconcile factions within the opposition party.
He stressed that while Wike is free to express his personal opinion, he does not have the authority to impose such views on the PDP.
“Now, he is free to air his personal view, but he cannot impose his view on the party. That’s just the blunt truth. And he is not the first minister that would be serving in another party government,” he said.
The PDP chieftain also disclosed that discussions were ongoing among different factions of the party following a court decision allowing parties involved in the disputed convention in Ibadan to resolve their differences outside the courtroom.
According to him, the willingness of all sides to pursue dialogue instead of continuing legal battles at the Supreme Court represents a positive step toward restoring unity within the party.
“The good news is the public acknowledgment from all sides of a readiness to reconcile. We have been holding talks, and various groups are communicating. Both factions seem to agree that continuing legal battles at the Supreme Court is not in the party’s best interest,” he said.
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Olawepo-Hashim maintained that despite its internal challenges, the PDP remains Nigeria’s most viable opposition party and continues to enjoy national support.
He cited the party’s performance in recent municipal elections in Abuja as evidence that it remains competitive across the country.
“Competition is the pillar of democracy. Despite its internal issues, the PDP remains the most viable opposition platform,” he said.
He added that his consultations with former leaders, including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, were aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system rather than addressing only PDP matters.
“It’s not just about the PDP. It’s about the future of democracy,” he noted.
Olawepo-Hashim also advised the party to prioritise resolving its internal disputes before focusing on preparations for the 2027 general elections, noting that there is still ample time for the nomination of candidates.
In addition, he criticised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, over calls for early party primaries, arguing that such a move was not in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
He further commended some PDP governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, for supporting reconciliation efforts within the party during the crisis despite pressure from various quarters.
