Olawepo-Hashim Endorses Possible Return of Jonathan, Atiku, Obi to PDP Presidential Race

Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed support for the potential re-entry of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Labour Party flagbearer, Peter Obi, into the PDP’s presidential primary for 2027.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna by his media aide, Hassan Mahmoud, Olawepo-Hashim described the possible participation of the trio as a positive move that could revive the party’s founding ideals of inclusiveness and open democratic competition.

“The more, the merrier,” he stated, emphasizing that a vibrant and competitive primary would not divide the PDP, but rather affirm its identity as Nigeria’s true democratic platform.

Reflecting on the party’s formation in 1998, Hashim noted that the PDP was never intended to be an exclusive political circle, but a broad-based national movement symbolized by its now-iconic umbrella. He recalled his role as secretary of the publicity subcommittee led by the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, where a journalist first suggested the umbrella symbol.

He paid tribute to founding figures of the PDP such as the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Chief Melford Okilo, Prof. Jubril Aminu, and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, among others, noting their collective contributions to the party’s early success.

“We had political giants under one roof. Many of them had the capacity to lead the country, but they either stepped aside or participated in a transparent process, like the 1999 Jos convention that produced Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” he said.

According to Hashim, the PDP drew its strength not from imposed consensus or political gatekeeping, but from its dedication to internal democracy and open competition. He particularly lauded Chief Solomon Lar’s leadership as the party’s interim national chairman, for embracing inclusiveness during the party’s formative years.

“Those who were afraid of genuine contest quietly left. But those who stayed helped shape a party that truly served Nigeria,” he added.

Hashim, who contested the 2019 presidential election, insisted that the PDP must recommit to its core values of fairness, competition, and unity if it hopes to reclaim national prominence.

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He urged the party to welcome any aspirant, including Jonathan, Atiku, and Obi, into the 2027 race, viewing their potential candidacies as a sign of political vitality.

“If Jonathan, Atiku, Obi or others choose to run, they should be embraced. Let the best ideas win through open competition. That is the way forward for a future-ready party,” he said.

His comments come amid ongoing internal discussions within the PDP regarding zoning, succession planning, and potential alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. While Jonathan, Atiku, and Obi have yet to officially declare intentions to contest or return to the PDP, speculation continues to swirl around possible political realignments within the opposition bloc.