…accuses APC of plotting for a one-party state
…says he “will resist all attempts to end opposition politics in Nigeria”
Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under serious threat, alleging a coordinated effort by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to paralyze opposition politics and impose a one-party civil dictatorship.
…accuses APC of plotting for a one-party state…says he “will resist all attempts to end opposition politics in Nigeria”
Hashim, in a statement issued from Doha, Qatar, where he is attending the First Covenant of Worship Altar Ministry Worship Convention, condemned the ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja that halted the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier scheduled for November 15, 2025 in Ibadan.
He described the court’s decision as part of a broader strategy to neutralize the PDP and “turn the judiciary into a weapon against multiparty democracy.”
“What happened in court is not an isolated incident. It is a carefully choreographed plot to paralyze the opposition and entrench an authoritarian government,” he said.
Hashim also condemned reports that former Jigawa State governor and founding member of the PDP, Alhaji Sule Lamido, was prevented from purchasing the nomination form to contest for the position of national chairman, calling it a blatant attack on the party’s internal democracy.
He accused “fifth columnists” within the PDP of collaborating, “knowingly or unwittingly,” with forces loyal to the APC to thwart ongoing reform efforts in the party.
“It is now clear that external pressures and internal sabotage are being deployed to stop the rebirth of the PDP as a credible alternative and defender of democratic values,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Hashim vowed that committed party loyalists would not allow opposition politics to die out in Nigeria.
“Those who celebrate the progressive civil dictatorship should pause,” he said. “The true soldiers of democracy remain standing. We will resist any attempt to crush the opposition and destroy pluralism in this country.”
He revealed plans to resume high-level consultations with key party stakeholders upon his return to Nigeria, with the aim of bringing together “genuine leaders and men and women of conscience” to safeguard democratic freedom.
“The darkest hour, they say, comes before the dawn. A new day will dawn for Nigeria’s democracy,” Hashim said.
He asked members to remain resolute. “We ask party members not to despair or faint,” Hashim said.
READ ALSO TOP STORIES OF Newslodge