Nigeria gradually sliding back to Abacha era – Gbenga-Hashim
Accord Party Chieftain Warns of Erosion of Democratic Space in Nigeria
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a prominent member of the Accord Party, has expressed concerns that Nigeria is regressing to the politically oppressive environment reminiscent of the late General Sani Abacha’s regime.
In a statement issued in anticipation of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for May 30, 2026, Olawepo-Hashim accused influential political forces of undermining opposition parties in preparation for the 2027 general elections. He highlighted what he termed deliberate efforts by key figures to weaken opposition platforms and hinder the rise of credible challengers to the current ruling party.
“Nigeria is being dragged back to the Abacha years,” he stated, reflecting on the political dynamics that characterized that period.
The former presidential candidate also alleged that a senior member of the Accord Party was attempting to destabilize the organization and obstruct its ability to nominate a presidential candidate. He drew parallels between the present-day situation and the Abacha era, when registered political parties were co-opted into a singular political framework.
“We are seeing a replay of history, when political parties became tools for a self-succession agenda,” he added.
Olawepo-Hashim further suggested that these alleged maneuvers may be linked to influential individuals within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. However, he asserted that such efforts to monopolize the political landscape would ultimately be unsuccessful.
“This coordinated plot by top officials will fail, just as the Abacha agenda failed,” he declared.
