Abuja, Nigeria — Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, officially resigned from the party on April 4, 2026, citing persistent internal divisions, failed reconciliation efforts, and concerns over the party’s capacity to address Nigeria’s growing political, security, and economic challenges.
In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Usuma Ward in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Hashim stated that his resignation takes immediate effect, signaling a decisive break from Nigeria’s long-standing political party ahead of critical national elections.
Hashim described the party as being engulfed in “persistent and unending crises” for over a year, resulting in a split into two dominant factions. Efforts to reconcile the groups, he said, proved futile.
“I cannot, in good conscience, be complicit in actions that undermine democratic values,” Hashim declared, emphasizing that he could not continue to be part of a party that appears unable to uphold principles of democracy, fairness, and accountability.
He further expressed concern over the PDP’s ability to field credible candidates, warning that the party risks becoming a passive supporter of the current administration rather than a vehicle for genuine opposition.
Highlighting Nigeria’s security crisis, Hashim noted that terrorist violence has spread across four of the six geopolitical regions, leading to the deaths of over 18,000 people in the past three years. “Massacres of innocent people have become a daily occurrence,” he lamented, underscoring the urgent need for effective governance and leadership.
Hashim also sharply criticized the state of the economy, describing it as “crumbled,” with poverty soaring to unprecedented levels. “Only wickedness, greed, and lack of integrity would keep any leader in a system that appears to endorse such outcomes or participate in any charade to coronate a pre-determined candidate,” he said.
The former presidential aspirant expressed dismay at the PDP’s internal politics, stating that a once-great party, founded by committed democrats and patriots, had been “brought to its knees by internal divisions and individuals whose primary distinction is that they benefited the most from the public offices entrusted to them by the PDP.”
Hashim’s resignation underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s opposition parties, particularly in the run-up to the 2027 elections. His departure signals a loss of confidence in the PDP’s ability to provide an alternative to the ruling administration and address the country’s pressing issues.
Concluding his resignation letter, Hashim affirmed his intention to pursue a new political path, collaborating with other patriotic leaders and citizens committed to preventing the emergence of a one-party state.
“At this juncture, I believe it is necessary for me to step aside and pursue a new path. I am compelled by the urgent political realities of our time to collaborate with other patriotic leaders and citizens who are committed to preventing the emergence of a one-party state and to building a new political order that guarantees security, justice, and economic prosperity for all Nigerians,” he stated.
Hashim emphasized that the time has come to move forward, suggesting that his next steps will involve efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, promote national unity, and develop solutions to the country’s persistent security and economic crises.
Hashim’s resignation is likely to have significant political ramifications, particularly as the PDP faces internal factionalism and struggles to maintain cohesion ahead of upcoming elections. Analysts suggest that his departure could embolden other party members dissatisfied with leadership and strategy to reconsider their positions, potentially altering the balance of power in the opposition ahead of 2027.
The resignation also reflects broader frustrations among Nigeria’s political elites and civil society regarding the state of governance, accountability, and party politics in the country. With rising insecurity, economic distress, and political fragmentation, Hashim’s move may inspire initiatives aimed at redefining political engagement and fostering a more effective opposition platform.
