Gbenga Hashim Warns Wike's Convention Poses Risk to PDP Reconciliation

A presidential hopeful from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Hashim, has alerted the faction that supports the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike against proceeding with their "factional convention," arguing that this action jeopardizes the unity and reconciliation efforts within the party.

Hashim characterized the upcoming convention as a "significant threat to the unity and sustainability of the PDP," highlighting that both factions had previously reached an agreement to pursue a unifying convention before the recent Court of Appeal judgement.

In a statement made in Abuja on Tuesday, Hashim, who has consistently advocated for reconciliation within the PDP, reiterated his concerns.

He implicated the failure of the reconciliation process on what he described as the actions of a "fifth columnist," who is undermining the efforts for personal gain.

"I urge the Wike faction not to renege on the gentlemens' agreement already established. This is crucial for the survival and integrity of the PDP," Hashim stated.

The PDP leader also cautioned against attempts to alter the executive committees in states such as Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Kano, warning that these actions would breach the party’s constitution.

Hashim asserted that the terms of office for state executives are set and should not be changed arbitrarily, warning against transferring the national leadership crisis into otherwise stable state organizations.

He identified the legitimate state chairpersons in the relevant states as Hon. Raymond Dabo (Plateau), Hon. Adamu Ninga (Nasarawa), Hon. Edward Percy Masha (Kaduna), and Hon. Yusuf Ado Kibiya (Kano), stressing that their mandates must be upheld.

Hashim cautioned that imposing rival structures in states without internal disputes could exacerbate the crisis and undermine the party's unity as elections approach.

The presidential aspirant further warned that key players in the current conflict could emerge as political casualties if they do not address their disagreements and adhere to an agreed framework for power-sharing and the integration of the National Working Committees from the competing factions.

Hashim called on all parties involved to reconvene for discussions and finalize a cohesive leadership structure, emphasizing that any factional convention at this juncture would ultimately result in mutually damaging outcomes for the party.

He reiterated that unity is the only feasible avenue for the PDP to regain its strength, credibility, and electoral viability ahead of the elections.