Presidential aspirant Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will face defeat in the 2027 general elections, asserting that no legal or administrative maneuvers can derail Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. He alleges the ruling APC is implementing actions to weaken opposition participation ahead of the next election cycle, raising concerns about the future of democratic competition. This pattern echoes past struggles against dictatorship, which ultimately ended in victory for genuine democracy.
Olawepo-Hashim reaffirmed Nigeria’s deep-rooted commitment to multiparty democracy, a choice deliberately made by the nation’s founding fathers at independence and enshrined in its constitutional framework. This legacy of political pluralism is seen as a fundamental aspect of the nation’s identity and will be preserved against any attempts to undermine it.
Featured snippet paragraph: The answer to whether the APC can escape defeat in 2027 is no, according to Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim. He believes that despite potential legal or administrative maneuvers, Nigeria’s commitment to multiparty democracy will prevail, leading to the ruling party’s removal from power through the ballot in 2027.
He warned against any drift toward authoritarianism, drawing parallels with the prolonged one-man rule in Zaire under Mobutu Sese Seko, which significantly eroded democratic institutions. The aspiration for one-man or one-party rule is seen as a dangerous path that Nigerians will actively resist.
Concerns have been raised regarding selective administrative decisions in the political party registration process. Olawepo-Hashim pointed out that while some qualified political associations face delays, others perceived as aligned with the ruling party seem to receive interim recognition more readily.
These trends are being interpreted as warning signs of democratic backsliding. There is a call for both Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant in defending democratic norms and principles.
Olawepo-Hashim urged “lovers of democracy across the world” to consider lawful and targeted accountability measures against individuals allegedly undermining Nigeria’s multiparty system. This includes evidence-based actions like travel restrictions and asset freezes.
He emphasized that the safeguarding of democracy fundamentally relies on transparency, accountability, and a strict adherence to constitutional principles. These are the cornerstones that will ensure the robustness of the democratic system.
Despite the current challenges and alleged attempts to manipulate the political landscape, Olawepo-Hashim expressed strong confidence in the Nigerian people. He believes they will rise to defend democracy.
The ultimate goal, as articulated by Olawepo-Hashim, is the peaceful, constitutional, and ballot-driven removal of the APC from power in the 2027 general elections.
This prediction is based on his analysis of the political climate and the perceived strategies of the incumbent party. The opposition remains hopeful for a democratic transition.
The narrative suggests a strong desire among a significant portion of the electorate for a change in leadership, driven by concerns over democratic integrity and governance.
