Dr. Gbenga Olawepo‑Hashim, former presidential candidate and 2027 aspirant on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, has raised concerns about spiralling insecurity and economic difficulties in Nigeria.
He referenced lessons from the administration of former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon as he discussed his political goals, including plans to challenge President Bola Tinubu at the 2027 elections, the politician said in an interview.
Olawepo‑Hashim’s comments came amid widespread public debate over security challenges and economic performance in Nigeria, issues frequently discussed in the context of upcoming general elections scheduled for 2027.
He has been a vocal figure in Nigerian politics, having previously sought his party’s presidential nomination. His comments reference historical political figures and past governance experiences as a framework for discussing current national issues.
In the interview, Olawepo‑Hashim said Nigeria is facing insecurity on a scale that he said exceeds the intensity of the country’s civil war, an assertion he tied to recent violent incidents across multiple regions. He described killings and attacks he said are occurring weekly.
He attributed the current security environment to what he called “wars on multiple fronts,” mentioning northern regions of the country that face violent threats, and cited figures on casualties from humanitarian reports.
On the economy, Olawepo‑Hashim referenced Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) in previous decades and compared it with more recent economic data, saying that the economy has contracted under the current administration compared with growth rates in earlier eras.
He noted changes in GDP value over years under different governments.
Recalling the late Gen. Gowon’s tenure and the period of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) during the Second Republic, Olawepo‑Hashim referenced past political transitions as part of a broader discussion on governance and the need for what he described as credible political alternatives.
He said the current security and economic challenges require urgent responses that should not be postponed until the next election cycle and reiterated his intention to offer leadership at the national level.
Olawepo‑Hashim’s comments reflect ongoing public discourse about national security and economic performance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His reference to historical political periods and current conditions highlights how political actors frame governance challenges in Nigeria’s multiparty context.
The remarks may influence arguments among political stakeholders about the direction of national policy, security strategy and economic planning as Nigeria approaches its next electoral cycle.
