2027: PDP chieftain says Jonathan, Atiku, Obi should be free to contest primary

DDM News

(DDM) – As the 2027 general elections draw closer, a former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has advocated for an open and inclusive presidential primary within the party.

He urged the PDP leadership to allow political heavyweights like former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Labour Party flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi, to freely contest for the party’s ticket.

DDM gathered that in a statement released through his media aide, Hassan Mahmoud, Olawepo-Hashim described the potential return of the trio as a “welcome development.”

He emphasized that allowing all interested aspirants to participate would enhance internal democracy and reaffirm the PDP’s identity as the “true party of democracy in Nigeria.”

According to him, “The more, the merrier.”

He insisted that the PDP must not revert to “backdoor consensus” or gatekeeping politics, which, he argued, only weakens its democratic character.

Olawepo-Hashim recalled the PDP’s formation in 1998, citing his own contribution as secretary of the publicity subcommittee led by the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo.

He also reminisced on how the party adopted its iconic umbrella symbol, which was initially suggested by a journalist.

The PDP, he said, was envisioned as a broad national platform built to accommodate differing opinions, ideologies, and ambitions.

He praised the spirit of inclusiveness and vibrant contestation that marked the party’s early years.

He listed political pioneers such as Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, and Prof. Jubril Aminu, all of whom played key roles in creating what he called a “vibrant political family.”

He noted that the PDP once had many political giants under one roof, and yet they respected the rules of engagement.

Some stepped down, others contested openly, which eventually led to the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the party’s presidential candidate at the Jos convention in 1999.

Olawepo-Hashim warned that PDP risks losing its legacy if it embraces exclusionary politics.

He maintained that its strength has always come from healthy internal competition.

“Those who feared competition left,” he said.

“But those who stayed gave Nigeria a chance at true democratic transition.”

He reaffirmed that Nigerians deserve to hear from all credible aspirants, regardless of past affiliations or previous electoral performances.

“If Jonathan, Atiku, Obi, or anyone else wants to contest, they should be welcomed,” he said.

“Let Nigerians hear their ideas. Let the best vision win.”

The call for open primaries has reignited debate within the PDP about the path forward as the party prepares for what could be a defining presidential race in 2027.

Olawepo-Hashim’s remarks are likely to spark further discussions on whether the party will embrace a competitive democratic process or lean toward political consensus-building.

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