By Adamu Yusuf
Former presidential candidate and global energy entrepreneur, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, has said that any responsible government must prioritise economic growth, job creation and access to quality education for young people, describing them as critical pillars for national development and social stability.
Hashim made the remarks on Thursday while addressing thousands of Accord Party supporters who converged in Dawaki, Abuja, to reaffirm their loyalty and support for his 2027 presidential ambition.
He commended party members and supporters for their resilience, steadfastness and commitment throughout the party’s recent primary election processes.
According to him, their dedication demonstrated a strong belief in the party’s vision and the future of the country.
The former presidential candidate alleged that some elements within the government had become involved in the internal affairs of opposition political parties, including the Accord Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with the intention of weakening alternative political platforms ahead of future elections.
He warned that efforts to undermine democratic participation and political competition could pose serious challenges to the nation’s democratic development.
Hashim also expressed dissatisfaction with the stance taken by sections of the Accord Party leadership regarding his presidential aspiration, stating that recent developments had raised concerns about transparency and fairness within the party.
He maintained that his political engagement was motivated by a desire to improve the welfare of Nigerians rather than personal ambition.
He urged his supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to the democratic process, expressing confidence that justice would prevail and that leaders who abuse power would ultimately be judged by history and held accountable.
