Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has officially stepped down from the party, citing persistent internal conflicts and unsuccessful reconciliation efforts as the primary reasons.
In a formal letter dated April 4, 2026, Hashim communicated his decision to the Chairman of the PDP in Usuma Ward, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, making his resignation effective immediately.
Hashim stated that the party has been experiencing "persistent and unending crises for over a year," which has led to its division into two distinct factions.
He further elaborated in his letter: "You are also witness to the numerous reconciliation efforts I undertook, alongside other well-meaning leaders, to bridge these divisions and restore unity within the party. Regrettably, these efforts did not yield the desired results."
The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP indicated that it has become "increasingly evident" that the ongoing crisis has weakened the party's standing as a significant opposition force.
He expressed concern that the prolonged crisis might have been strategically aimed at diminishing the PDP's capacity to present strong candidates for the 2027 elections or, in a worse scenario, to force it into a position of tacit approval for the current administration.
Hashim declared that he can no longer remain within the party without compromising his core principles.
"I cannot, in good conscience, be complicit in actions that undermine democratic values. To remain in a system that appears to endorse a leadership record I fundamentally disagree with would be a betrayal of my principles and commitment to the Nigerian people," he stated.
Addressing the nation's current hardships, Hashim highlighted the pervasive insecurity and economic difficulties as major issues.
"Today, Nigeria faces severe challenges — widespread insecurity across multiple regions, the tragic and continuous loss of innocent lives, and an economy in distress, with rising poverty among millions," he noted.
He reiterated these concerns, stating, "Nigeria today is experiencing terrorist conflicts in several regions, and the loss of lives has become deeply concerning. The economy is under significant strain, and poverty has increased sharply."
Hashim also voiced his disappointment regarding the perceived decline in the quality of political leadership.
"Only wickedness, greed, and lack of integrity would keep any leader in a system that appears to endorse such outcomes or participate in any process perceived as endorsing a predetermined candidate," he asserted.
He expressed profound disappointment in the current state of the PDP.
"It is disheartening that a great party, founded by some of Nigeria’s most committed democrats and patriots, has been brought to its knees by internal divisions and individuals whose primary distinction is that they benefited the most from public offices entrusted to them by the PDP," he lamented.
Hashim indicated that his departure signifies the commencement of a new phase in his political journey.
"At this juncture, I believe it is necessary for me to step aside and pursue a new path. I am compelled by the urgent political realities of our time to collaborate with other patriotic leaders and citizens committed to preventing the emergence of a one-party state and to building a new political order that guarantees security, justice, and economic prosperity for all Nigerians.
"The time has come to move forward," he concluded.
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