PDP’s Gbenga Hashim slams ethnic rhetoric, warns against north–south divide

Presidential hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has condemned what he described as attempts by aides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stoke regional and ethnic divisions, warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s unity.

Hashim said the renewed push for a North–South narrative by elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a political distraction aimed at deflecting attention from economic challenges and governance concerns under the Tinubu administration.

Reacting to a statement attributed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Hashim described the approach as “reckless” and harmful to Nigeria’s national security interests.

“Dividing Nigeria along regional lines in order to evade accountability for governance failures is dangerous and unacceptable. It amounts to a betrayal of the oath to uphold the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the PDP chieftain dismissed arguments based on rotational presidency, insisting that Nigerians are more concerned about competence, accountability, and effective governance than symbolic power-sharing arrangements.

“Nigerians are not asking for a Northern or Southern president. They are asking for a competent president, one who can revive the economy, secure lives and property, and unite the country around a shared future of Prosperity,” he stated.

Hashim reminded the APC that both regions have had substantial opportunities to govern Nigeria since 1999, noting that the South has produced presidents for approximately 17 years, while the North has governed for about 10 years within the same democratic period.

“Leadership failure cannot be blamed on geography. Both regions have governed. What matters now is performance, not origin,” he said.

He warned that resurrecting ethnic narratives at a time of deep economic distress, rising insecurity, and social fragmentation only exposes the ruling party’s lack of credible solutions.

“Using ethnicity and region to mask incompetence is not only lazy politics, it is also a direct insult to Nigerians who are struggling to survive,” Hashim added.

Calling on citizens across the country to reject divisive politics, Hashim stressed that the APC would not be able to hide behind regional sentiment in the next election cycle.

“Come 2027, Nigerians will vote for leadership, not tribal loyalty. The era of emotional blackmail is over,” he concluded.

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