Experimental approach as ex- presidential aspirant and energy executive, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has officially rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), setting the stage for his active return to mainstream politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. His return, long speculated in political circles, became public on Wednesday when he visited the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, where he met with members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Speaking during the visit, Olawepo-Hashim reaffirmed his belief in the PDP’s national outlook and its enduring relevance despite recent internal challenges.
“The PDP was built as a national platform. Since 1998, it has maintained a presence in almost every polling unit across Nigeria.
That national spread is still intact,” he said. Dismissing concerns about the party’s dwindling influence due to defections and internal disagreements, the former presidential candidate emphasized that the PDP’s strength lies in the support of the people rather than the presence of political elites.
“The real power of any political party lies in its people, not elites. The people are still with the PDP,” he declared confidently.
Hashim commended the efforts of the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umaru Damagum, for holding the party together through turbulent times. “The wisdom and calm Damagum has shown to keep the party intact is truly commendable,” he noted.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Olawepo-Hashim urged the party to focus on presenting a disciplined and visionary presidential candidate capable of restoring security, reviving the economy, and ensuring justice for all Nigerians. “The PDP must give Nigerians a new kind of leadership — one committed to security, economy, and justice,” he said.
Earlier the same day, he also participated in a closed-door meeting of PDP founding members at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, signaling his deeper re-engagement with party structures.