2027: Attempts to restrict democratic participation will be resisted – Hashim

The Presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has warned that attempts by political actors to restrict democratic participation and undermine political competition could have serious consequences. He also argued that history had repeatedly shown that leaders who sought to cling desperately to power often faced public rejection. Addressing the gathering of Accord […]

The Presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has warned that attempts by political actors to restrict democratic participation and undermine political competition could have serious consequences.

He also argued that history had repeatedly shown that leaders who sought to cling desperately to power often faced public rejection.

Addressing the gathering of Accord supporters in Abuja on Thursday, the Presidential candidate also pledged to restore the value of the naira to an exchange rate of between N500- N525 to one United States dollar if elected President.

Hashim who met with his Party supporters in FCT at Dawaki on Thursday, saw many of the supporters reaffirming their support for his 2027 presidential ambition.

According to him, the economic realities facing citizens continue to deteriorate daily, with rising costs of living, declining purchasing power and growing unemployment deepening the suffering of ordinary families across the country.

Hashim alleged that those currently in power were more preoccupied with retaining political control than addressing the pressing needs of the people.

He further claimed that elements within the government had become involved in the internal affairs of opposition parties, including the ADC, PDP and Accord Party, in a bid to weaken alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He warned that attempts to restrict democratic participation and undermine political competition could have serious consequences, arguing that history had repeatedly shown that leaders who sought to cling desperately to power often faced public rejection and divine judgment in Nigeria.

Drawing historical parallels, Hashim referenced the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, Hashim said, no individual could permanently suppress the will of the people or obstruct the course of democracy.

The Accord Party chieftain also expressed disappointment with sections of the his party leadership over their recent position regarding his presidential aspiration, maintaining that the timing and content of their public statements had raised questions about the integrity and transparency of the process.

He insisted that his political involvement was driven not by personal ambition but by a commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerians, which he said had significantly worsened under the current administration.

Hashim lamented the growing difficulties faced by parents in meeting basic responsibilities, particularly the payment of school fees, noting that many families were being forced to make painful sacrifices to keep their children in school.

He said a responsible government must prioritise economic growth, job creation and educational opportunities for young people, arguing that these were essential ingredients for national development and social stability.

The presidential candidate urged his supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding and actively engaged in the democratic process, despite the challenges confronting the opposition and the nation at large.