A chieftain and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed optimism that the internal crisis rocking the party will soon be amicably resolved.
Olawepo-Hashim said the ongoing litigation instituted by a faction of the party linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, would not degenerate into a prolonged legal battle, as efforts were underway to settle the matter out of court.
He spoke in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of a religious engagement during his visit to Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
According to him, key stakeholders from both sides of the dispute are currently engaged in discussions aimed at reaching a peaceful resolution, warning that allowing the matter to drag to the Supreme Court would be detrimental to the fortunes of the party.
“As the general election approaches, it is important for the PDP to resolve all internal conflicts in the overall interest of the party and for the protection of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
Olawepo-Hashim stressed that a healthy democracy thrives on strong and competitive opposition parties, noting that Nigeria cannot afford to drift towards a one-party system.
Commenting on the recent defections of some PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he attributed the development to poor performance in office and fears of anti-graft agencies, rather than ideological alignment.
He further observed that the 2027 general election would mark a shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, describing it as “electorates versus political parties,” as citizens are becoming increasingly aware of their rights and the power of their votes.
The PDP stalwart expressed confidence that with unity and internal reconciliation, the party could reposition itself as a credible alternative capable of deepening democratic governance in the country.
