Olawepo-Hashim and the Leadership Nigeria Deserves in 2027

By Hassan Mahmood Ibrahim

As the clock ticks toward the 2027 general elections, Nigerians are once again faced with a pressing question: Who can truly lead the nation out of its current economic quagmire, rising insecurity, and deep national distrust?

While many familiar names have started to re-emerge, one figure deserves closer attention—Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential candidate, businessman, and now chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His name has of recent, dominate the headlines, with a profile that suggests a leader whose time may finally be at hand.

A rare blend of activist integrity, private-sector competence, and democratic consistency, Olawepo-Hashim represents a departure from the conventional political class that has delivered far less than Nigeria needs or deserves.

Olawepo-Hashim’s political roots lie not in opportunism, but in conviction. He was an active figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement during the military era, a committed voice during the struggle for resistance, and a victim of the junta’s crackdown on democratic activists.

That kind of political baptism by fire has shaped him into a principled democrat—someone who understands not just the mechanics of government but the moral obligations of leadership. In an era where uncertainty pervades the landscape due to the action of many politicians without clear ideological anchors, Olawepo-Hashim has remained focused on nation-building, not self-promotion.

Academically grounded, with degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Buckingham , and successful in business across sectors such as energy and strategic communications, Olawepo-Hashim brings a technocratic edge to political leadership.

He is part of a class of leaders who not only understand economic theory but have created jobs, negotiated deals, and built institutions. That experience is critical in a country where economic mismanagement has led to historic inflation, a currency crisis, and record youth unemployment.

His proposals during previous campaigns—ranging from rural industrialization to energy reform,were not just populist soundbites. They were actionable policy suggestions that remain relevant in today’s Nigeria.

Nigeria’s political landscape remains deeply fractured along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. Olawepo-Hashim stands out as a potential bridge-builder. As a Nigerian with long-standing connections across the North and South, he carries a unique national outlook that is both inclusive and pragmatic.

Unlike many whose appeal is rooted in ethnic loyalty or religious dogma, he promotes a Nigerian identity anchored in equity, opportunity, and meritocracy. This kind of leadership could be instrumental in rebuilding trust between government and citizens,and among citizens themselves.

One of Olawepo-Hashim’s distinguishing characteristics is his refusal to indulge in political theatrics. He prefers issues to insults, and substance to soundbites. In a system dominated by identity politics and patronage, this may not win overnight popularity, but it commands respect among Nigeria’s growing population of young, informed, and reform-minded voters.

His ideological orientation is clear: a belief in market-led growth complemented by targeted state intervention to support the poor and vulnerable. In other words, growth with inclusion, not just wealth for a few.

Within the PDP, Olawepo-Hashim’s presence adds intellectual depth and generational balance. As the party continues its internal repositioning ahead of 2027, it would be wise to look beyond recycled aspirants and recognize emerging figures who combine vision, integrity, and strategic competence.

If the PDP is serious about renewal, and if it hopes to regain national trust, it must elevate leaders who reflect the future, not the past.

The demand for authentic leadership is growing louder. If these trend continue, and if leaders like Olawepo-Hashim can build grassroots alliances and communicate their vision effectively, the 2027 elections may prove to be more open than many expect.

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim embodies many of the qualities Nigeria desperately needs in a president: principled, competent, inclusive, and reform-minded. His leadership style, anchored in ideas, not egos, could provide the national reset that millions of Nigerians are yearning for.

As the political class prepares for another contest, Nigerians must look beyond old loyalties and flashy slogans. They must ask: Who among us can unite the country, rebuild the economy, and restore hope? In that national search, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim’s name deserves prominence on the shortlist.

Hassan Mahmood Ibrahim ,a journalist and public affairs analyst, writes from Kaduna, Nigeria.

Olawepo-Hashim and the Leadership Nigeria Deserves in 2027

DSS Releases Three Detainees Wrongfully Accused of Belonging to IPOB/ESN

*20 other cases under review

By: Our Reporter

The Department of State Services on Tuesday released three persons detained on the suspicion of belonging to the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), and it’s militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), and involvement in the killing of seven Fulani cattle herders.

The Service is also reviewing more than 20 cases of persons believed to have been wrongfully detained, as a key part of the reforms being initiated by the new Director General of the secret police, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi.

The disclosure was made Tuesday night by Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Mr. Deji Adeyanju via his verified social media handles.

Adeyanju said the trio of Augustine Udemba, Nelson Onyedikachi Udemba, and Ifesinachi Eze, who were arrested and wrongfully detained on the allegation of involvement in IPOB/ESN activities and killing of seven herders, were released yesterday (Tuesday),” stressing, “they have been reunited with their families.”

The lawyer described the release as part of the ongoing reforms by the new DSS boss to reposition the the Service and make it rule of law- compliant, including reviewing the cases of those in custody, charging to court where required, and releasing those wrongfully detained.

He stated, “We are currently working on more than 20 cases with the service and thank the DG of the DSS for his commitment to ensuring the right thing is done,” adding, “we are aware that there are hundreds of Nigerians with similar issues, and we are further appealing to the DG for a speedy process in the ongoing reforms.”

While the lawyer did not state if compensation was or would be paid the released detainees, security sources hinted that, going by the DG’s habit of paying compensation to wrongfully detained persons, it was most likely the trio would be compensated.

Just last week, the DSS DG directed that a businessman who owns a quarry on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway arrested by the Service since 2022 on the suspicion of kidnapping, be released and paid N10 million as compensation. It was reported that he might get more from the DG.

Another outstanding case was that of the payment of N20 million compensation to a Jos-based businessman who was mistakenly shot in the leg by DSS operatives in 2016. Even after it was established by the DSS that the man was shot in error, and a court awarded the victim N10 million as damages, two DSS bosses refused to pay the victim. Instead, they appealed the judgement.
In May, the new DSS boss not only paid the businessman the N10 million awarded by the court, he added another N10 million and free lifetime medical services for the victim.

The DG has promised to speedily review the case of wrongfully detained persons in the DSS custody brought to his notice, saying he wouldn’t mind the source of the information so long as it yields results.

DSS Releases Three Detainees Wrongfully Accused of Belonging to IPOB/ESN

Tuggar Congratulates Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON Win, Praises Their Resilience

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons following their historic 10th triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In a statement issued shortly after the team’s victory, Tuggar lauded the Falcons for their resilience, discipline, and unyielding spirit, describing them as “true ambassadors of Nigerian excellence on the global stage.”

The Minister said: “The Super Falcons have once again shown what it means to represent Nigeria with pride and purpose. Their determination, unity, and consistency reflect the values we hold dear as a nation.”

He further commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support for sports development in Nigeria, as well as Mr. Shehu Dikko, and the leadership and management of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their strategic guidance and commitment to excellence in women’s football.

“This victory is the result of purposeful leadership, sound management, and the unshakable spirit of Nigerian athletes. I congratulate President Tinubu, Mr. Shehu Dikko, and the entire NFF family for creating the enabling environment for this triumph,” he added.

Tuggar also noted that the team’s success not only brings immense pride to Nigeria but also serves as an inspiration to young girls across Africa, proving that excellence knows no gender.

He however reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s soft power through sports diplomacy and international representation.

“Their victory is not only a sporting achievement but a diplomatic symbol of Nigeria’s strength, unity, and global presence,” he stated.

Their hard-fought 3–2 victory over Morocco in the final further cements their status as Africa’s most decorated and successful women’s football team.

Tuggar Congratulates Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON Win, Praises Their Resilience