A prominent member of Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for an open and competitive presidential primary ahead of the 2027 elections, advocating for the inclusion of high-profile figures like former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential aspirant and PDP stalwart, described their potential return to the party’s race as a catalyst to revive its democratic principles.
In a statement released by his media aide, Hassan Mahmoud, on Thursday, Olawepo-Hashim emphasized that robust primaries would strengthen the PDP’s identity as a party rooted in transparency and inclusivity. “The more, the merrier,” he said, framing competition as essential to rekindling the PDP’s founding vision. The party, he noted, was established in 1998 as a “national platform” for diverse ideologies, not a restricted group.
Reflecting on the PDP’s history, he highlighted pivotal figures such as late leaders Alex Ekwueme and Solomon Lar, who championed internal democracy during the party’s formative years. The 1999 Jos convention, which produced Olusegun Obasanjo as the presidential candidate after a contested process, was cited as a model of fair play. “We had giants of Nigerian politics under one roof,” Olawepo-Hashim recalled, crediting early leaders for welcoming dissent and avoiding exclusionary tactics.
He cautioned against distrusting aspirants’ ambitions, urging the PDP to embrace renewed interest from figures like Jonathan, Atiku, and Obi as a sign of political vitality. “Let the best ideas and visions emerge through fair competition,” he asserted, stressing that such an approach would help the party regain national relevance. His remarks coincide with intensifying debates within the PDP over zoning arrangements, leadership succession, and alliance strategies for 2027.
While none of the three politicians have confirmed plans to rejoin the PDP or contest its ticket, speculation persists about potential realignments within Nigeria’s opposition camp. The PDP, which governed from 1999 to 2015, has grappled with internal divisions and electoral setbacks in recent years. Olawepo-Hashim’s appeal underscores a broader push among some members to return to the party’s origins, prioritizing open contests over closed-door negotiations.
Analysts view the coming months as critical for the PDP’s repositioning efforts, particularly as Nigeria’s political landscape evolves ahead of the next general elections. The party’s ability to balance regional interests, manage leadership ambitions, and foster unity—or fracture further—could determine its capacity to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). For now, the prospect of high-stakes primaries featuring seasoned political heavyweights has reignited discussions about Nigeria’s opposition future.
