Presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has declared that Nigeria’s future lies not in zoning arrangements or ethnic alliances, but in the emergence of a competent, patriotic, and visionary leader, one capable of tackling insecurity, reviving the economy, and improving the living conditions of all citizens.
Hashim made this assertion while reacting to what he described as a growing campaign by some sectional political actors pushing for a President of regional interest rather than national development.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the former presidential candidate condemned what he called the “continuous manipulation of religion and ethnicity by corrupt political opportunists”, stressing that such tactics have failed to bring meaningful development to Nigeria.
“Nigeria does not need a Southern or Northern President. What our country urgently needs is a good President, one with the capacity to secure the nation, rebuild the economy, and restore hope among our people,” Hashim declared.
He cited historical precedents to back his position, pointing to the 1993 presidential election where voters in Kano State rejected their own son, Bashir Tofa, in favor of M.K.O. Abiola from Ogun State.
“In 2023, Lagos voters rejected the incumbent President for a candidate from another region. In Gboko, a predominantly Tiv and Christian constituency, a Kanuri Muslim, Kashim, was elected into the Northern Regional Assembly during the First Republic. These examples show that Nigerians can look beyond tribe and religion when given credible options,” he noted.
Hashim accused proponents of regional presidency of promoting self interest under the guise of national equity.
“Those advocating for Southern or Northern presidency are not doing so for the people, but for their own stomachs. Nigerians are tired of such divisive games. They want leaders who can perform, not those who merely share their faith or ethnicity.”
He urged all political parties to make credibility, competence, and character the sole criteria for selecting candidates in the 2027 elections, warning that the nation’s survival is at stake.
“The time for political shenanigans is over. We must not allow the future of our country to be mortgaged by merchants of ethnicity and religious manipulation. Nigerians deserve a decent country, governed by decent people,” he stated.
Dr. Hashim reaffirmed his commitment to building a united, secure, and prosperous Nigeria, calling on citizens across all regions and religions to reject divisive politics and embrace a future built on merit, not identity.
