Dare Babalola
A fresh push for opposition realignment has emerged as former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, steps up consultations with political actors, warning that Nigeria’s democratic balance could be at risk without stronger collaboration among rival parties.
Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with leaders of the Accord Party on Sunday, the Peoples Democratic Party stalwart said ongoing engagements are aimed at building a formidable alliance capable of providing Nigerians with credible alternatives in future elections.
The delegation from the Accord Party was led by its National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, alongside members of its National Working Committee, in what insiders described as part of a widening network of consultations across party lines.
Rather than focusing solely on partisan rivalry, Olawepo-Hashim framed the discussions around the need to preserve political plurality. He cautioned that the growing dominance of the All Progressives Congress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could gradually tilt the country towards a system with limited political competition if not counterbalanced.
He argued that democracy depends on vibrant alternatives, noting that a weakened opposition space could erode accountability and reduce citizens’ power to make meaningful electoral choices.
The PDP chieftain also drew attention to structural challenges confronting opposition parties, including internal disputes and external pressures, which he said have slowed efforts at consolidation. According to him, bridging these divides is now more critical than ever.
On the electoral front, Olawepo-Hashim took issue with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing it as inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act. He maintained that the schedule for party primaries appears compressed, potentially placing smaller parties at a disadvantage as they navigate legal and organisational hurdles.
While acknowledging recent adjustments by the electoral body on other deadlines, he insisted that concerns over the primary election timeline remain unresolved.
Sunday’s meeting is one in a series of strategic engagements by Olawepo-Hashim. Earlier this year, he held talks with Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress, a move widely interpreted as part of broader efforts to forge common ground among opposition figures.
With more consultations planned in the coming months, Olawepo-Hashim reiterated that safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy would require cooperation beyond party loyalties, stressing that only a united front can sustain a competitive multi-party system.
