Gbenga Olawepo‑Hashim, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, warned that Nigeria’s current political mess stems from the leadership of the two major parties prioritising narrow self‑interest over the national good during the 2023 elections. Speaking on Wednesday, he described the “dance of shame” and infighting among powerful party blocs as a danger that could “snowball to something unpredictable if the brake is not applied.” He argued that the primaries were driven by crude, self‑serving motives rather than what is best for the country, a failure that may have entrenched the nation in a deeper crisis.
In a statement titled “Crude Self‑Interest, Threat to 2023 Election,” delivered in Abuja, the former 2023 presidential aspirant and 2019 Trust Party candidate noted that each presidential contender now leads a faction within his party, while a sizable group opposes the flag‑bearer. “In the Peoples Democratic Party it is Atiku versus G‑5; in the APC it is Tinubu versus the Villa group,” he said, adding that the lack of clear ideological differentiation has left the country in a real mess. He cautioned that, without curbing this infighting, the situation could become unpredictable. Even if elections proceed, he doubted that the winner would be responsible enough to form a Government of National Unity and heal the nation.
Olawepo‑Hashim urged Nigerians to shift toward issue‑driven politics, placing public good above bribery, narrow self‑interest, religious bigotry, and ethnic considerations. He recalled his January 1 2022 warning that the real decisions about the 2023 elections would be made in the primaries of the major parties, where delegate votes could be bought like onions and tomatoes, and ethnic or religious manipulation could dominate. He maintained that the two major parties and their candidates appear indistinguishable to the public, forcing voters to choose based on self‑interest rather than public welfare.
He criticized the ruling APC, saying that a group of “super governors” pushed the party aside while “Powerful Villa” apparatchiks watched helplessly as those governors imposed their will. The flawed conduct of party primaries and the framing of issues, he argued, are the root causes of the current disarray and the lack of cohesive campaigning.
Despite these challenges, Olawepo‑Hashim affirmed that the nation must still hold elections and select new leaders. He suggested that voters motivated by the public good will look beyond party labels, potentially voting for different parties in National Assembly, presidential, and gubernatorial races. However, he warned that this outcome depends on whether the election actually takes place.
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