We’re not the same — Olawepo-Hashim distances self from Obi, Atiku’s political ideology
Accord Party leader Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has differentiated his political ideology from those of fellow opposition candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In an interview on the Mic On Podcast, Olawepo-Hashim discussed the ideological stances of various presidential hopefuls within the opposition. He characterized Obi and Atiku as representatives of the “extreme conservative political wing,” while aligning himself, African Action Congress candidate Omoyele Sowore, and Social Democratic Party nominee Adewole Adebayo with a left-center ideology.
“Peter is very clear. He doesn’t have any problem with high petrol prices. The only problem he has is how the proceeds are managed,” Olawepo-Hashim stated. “So don’t lump all of us together. We are not the same.”
This remark highlights the contrasting views among opposition candidates regarding fuel subsidy policies and the management of funds resulting from their removal. Recent statements indicate that Obi has expressed opposition to reinstating a petrol subsidy and emphasized the need for proper allocation of savings from its elimination. Meanwhile, Atiku has proposed reintroducing a targeted subsidy if he gains election.
Olawepo-Hashim argued that the ideological divisions among opposition candidates extend beyond mere political affiliations. “There are opposition members who are from the extreme conservative political wing. Peter and Atiku belong to that,” he noted.
Conversely, he stated that he, Sowore, and Adebayo align with a more welfare-oriented perspective that is sympathetic to the needs of ordinary citizens.
When asked about potential alliances with Sowore and Adebayo, Olawepo-Hashim confirmed that the three have formed an agreement, noting it was signed publicly in Port Harcourt. “We already did. We signed it in Port Harcourt, and it was in the public space,” he said.
Previously, Olawepo-Hashim has advocated for a targeted subsidy system, arguing that such subsidies should be designed to protect citizens and productive sectors while ensuring transparency and accountability. He has also criticized Atiku for changing his stance on subsidy removal.
