The 2027 presidential race took a decisive turn over the weekend as stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State formally endorsed Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in her bid for the party’s nomination.
They said the endorsement marked the end of the era of “entitlement politics.”
According to them, the endorsement, made under the auspices of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), positions Ogun as the epicenter of a growing political awakening in the South West.
Stakeholders added that the wave of their support has already gained strength in Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo and Oyo states.
Speaking after the adoption, Honorable Gbenga Idowu, State Coordinator of the GHSM, described Hashim as “the bridge between the North and the South” and “the most competent and credible alternative to the failed APC leadership.”
“President Tinubu has failed both Nigeria and the South West. What he promised as renewal has become national ruin. Inflation is at its worst, insecurity has deepened and people are hungry,” Idowu said.
He added that Ogun joins the rest of the South West in saying enough is enough. It was here that Tinubu once said “Emilokan” and God permitted it. Today we say: ‘Baba, eti ja wa kule’. Ni 2027, Gbenga ni o má gbe wa ga’, that is, the party is over; It is Gbenga who will lift us higher.”
Stakeholders praised Hashim’s $4 trillion comprehensive economic plan, which emphasizes industrial expansion, energy reform, agricultural value chains and youth employment as pillars for national renaissance.
They also praised his integrated national security plan, which combines intelligence coordination, defense reform and community policing to comprehensively address insecurity.
“Gbenga Hashim has a plan, not slogans. While others trade political slogans, Hashim offers leadership with depth, clarity and vision,” Idowu said.
Hashim’s wave is already resonating across the South West, with similar endorsements emerging from PDP stakeholders and grassroots coalitions in Osun, Oyo, Lagos and Ekiti, signaling what political observers describe as a “Southwest PDP renaissance” anchored in Hashim’s leadership.
“Gbenga Hashim is not in politics for ego or profit. He is here for the purpose of uniting our nation, reforming our economy and restoring the dignity of governance,” Idowu said.
Olawepo-Hashim, a founding member of the PDP, businessman and former presidential candidate, has emerged in recent months as a formidable national contender ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say Ogun’s endorsement marks a major shift in regional dynamics and could reshape southwestern politics in the countdown to 2027.
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