2027: Gbenga Hashim Forges Coalition to Challenge APC Dominance, Enters Discussions with Accord Party

In a bid to foster a cross-party alliance ahead of the 2027 elections, Gbenga Hashim, a presidential aspirant on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, is intensifying his efforts, cautioning that Nigeria may be veering towards a one-party state.

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Hashim's efforts are set against the backdrop of growing concern within opposition ranks that the political space could tighten further, leaving voters with limited choices against the ruling All Progressives Congress, unless parties unite quickly.

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Recently, Hashim hosted leaders of the Accord Party, led by National Chairman Maxwell Mgbudem, in Abuja, where he emphasized the urgency of opposition unity to preserve democratic pluralism and maintain institutional balance.

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The Accord Party delegation included National Secretary Adebukola Abiola Ajaja, National Treasurer Salaudeen Abdulazeez Oyeniyi, and Organising Secretary Ibe ThankGod, who met with Hashim as part of his wider round of consultations.

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Hashim's meeting with the Accord Party leaders follows his recent national television appearance, where he expressed concerns about the ruling party's alleged push towards a one-party system under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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He argued that opposition parties are increasingly constrained by internal divisions and external pressures, which weaken their ability to organize and function effectively, making it essential for them to collaborate.

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Hashim also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for imposing an unconstitutional electoral timetable, citing provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly Section 29(1).

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According to Hashim, Section 29(1) stipulates that political parties must submit their list of candidates no later than 120 days before an election, implying that parties should have until around August or September to conclude their primaries.

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He criticized INEC's directive requiring primaries to end by May, arguing that it shortens the timeline by several months and places undue pressure on opposition parties already grappling with internal disputes and litigation.

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Despite recent adjustments by INEC to deadlines for submission of party registers, Hashim maintained that the fundamental concern regarding the compressed timetable remains unresolved.

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Earlier in the year, Hashim held talks with Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate and national chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), in what observers view as part of a sustained push towards opposition alignment.

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Through these engagements, Hashim has continued to warn against any attempt to concentrate political power in a way that could undermine democratic choice, emphasizing the need for cooperation among stakeholders committed to accountability, equity, and a competitive multi-party system.

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The ongoing consultations point to a renewed effort to build alliances among opposition figures, with talks expected to continue in the months ahead of future elections.