Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential candidate and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has engaged in high-level, separate consultations with former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.). The closed-door meetings, held on Monday, form part of Mr. Olawepo-Hashim’s extensive nationwide outreach to elder statesmen and key national figures, aimed at deliberating on Nigeria’s future trajectory ahead of the crucial 2027 general election.
Mr. Olawepo-Hashim’s itinerary saw him arrive at former President Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, around 11:00 a.m., where discussions lasted approximately an hour. Following this, he proceeded to Minna, Niger State, for a subsequent meeting with former Military President Babangida. He was accompanied on these significant visits by Nghargbu K’tsɔ, the Chairman of the North Central Renaissance Movement, alongside other aides, underscoring the structured nature of his engagements.
During his interactions with both influential leaders, Mr. Olawepo-Hashim articulated his vision and perceived capacity to tackle Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges. He reportedly assured them of his commitment to addressing the nation’s pressing security concerns, fostering national unity, stabilizing the often-volatile political environment, and ultimately restoring economic prosperity. He underscored the urgent necessity for purposeful, inclusive, and unifying leadership to prevent deeper national fragmentation.
Nigeria, a nation grappling with persistent insecurity, economic strains, and calls for greater national cohesion, often looks to its elder statesmen for guidance and perspective. Former Presidents Obasanjo and Babangida, despite their non-partisan status, remain profoundly influential figures. Their respective tenures at the helm of Nigerian affairs have afforded them a unique historical vantage point, making their counsel highly sought after in times of political transition and national introspection.
In his meeting with General Babangida, Mr. Olawepo-Hashim specifically invoked the former military leader’s historic role in preserving Nigeria’s unity during the civil war. He highlighted the immense sacrifices made to keep the country intact, drawing a stark parallel to the present need for resolute leadership. He emphasized that the upcoming 2027 election must fundamentally revolve around a national rescue mission, cautioning that continued leadership failures could severely jeopardize Nigeria’s delicate cohesion and stability.
Mr. Olawepo-Hashim’s powerful remarks to General Babangida resonated deeply, reportedly stating, “General, you still carry in your body the wounds of the war fought to keep Nigeria one. Many of your colleagues were not fortunate to survive that struggle. If Nigeria is allowed to disintegrate today through incompetent leadership, then the sacrifices of patriots like you would have been wasted.” This poignant appeal underlines the high stakes perceived by many political actors concerning the nation’s future.
The discussions extend beyond mere courtesy calls, reflecting a broader political landscape where potential aspirants are actively seeking endorsements, advice, and legitimacy from figures who command significant respect across various political divides. Such consultations are a customary feature of Nigerian pre-election cycles, as candidates strive to build consensus and demonstrate their capacity for broad national appeal and leadership.
These meetings occur against a backdrop of ongoing national discourse on governance, economic reforms, and security sector recalibration. The 2027 general election is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Nigeria, with various political factions and individuals beginning to position themselves for leadership roles. The engagement of figures like Mr. Olawepo-Hashim with former heads of state signals the intensifying political maneuvering and strategic planning underway.
The emphasis on national unity and economic recovery by Mr. Olawepo-Hashim mirrors the widespread aspirations of many Nigerians. As the country navigates complex domestic and international challenges, the call for inclusive leadership that can bridge ethnic and religious divides remains a central theme in its political evolution. The outcomes of such high-profile consultations, while not directly leading to endorsements, often contribute significantly to the national political narrative.
Ultimately, these discussions underscore the enduring influence of Nigeria’s past leaders in shaping its present and future political trajectory. The ongoing dialogue between aspiring leaders and revered elder statesmen represents a continuous effort to harness collective wisdom and experience in addressing the nation’s profound challenges and steering it towards a path of sustained stability and prosperity as 2027 approaches.
