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Olawepo-Hashim and the Leadership Nigeria Deserves in 2027

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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

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Tanker explosion kills one in Kaduna workshop

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Tanker explosion kills one in Kaduna workshop

By: Zagazola Makama

A 28-year-old mechanic has died following a tanker explosion at a workshop in Tafa town, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Sources said that explosion occurred on Friday at about 12:00 p.m. when a tanker, whose registration number and driver’s identity were yet to be ascertained, suddenly went up in flames during repairs.

“Upon receipt of the report, security forces were mobilized to the scene alongside his patrol team. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, identified as Kabiru Usman, was working on the tanker when the explosion occurred

The sources said that Usman was immediately rushed to Umaru Musa Yar’adua Memorial Hospital in Sabon Wuse, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

Tanker explosion kills one in Kaduna workshop

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Nigeria loses Consular General in Buea, Cameroon

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Nigeria loses Consular General in Buea, Cameroon

By: Michael Mike

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the sudden demise of Ambassador Taofik Obasanjo Coker, the Consul General of Nigeria in Buea, Republic of Cameroon, who unfortunately passed on after a brief illness on Saturday, 16th August 2025.

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Ambassador Coker was a hardworking and dedicated career diplomat who served Nigeria with distinction, commitment and professionalism in different capacities.

He said: “His untimely death, therefore, is a great loss to the diplomatic community and the nation at large.”

Ebienfa added that: “Prior to his appointment and assumption of duty as Consul-General of Nigeria, in Buea, he served Nigeria meritoriously in our Missions in Conakry, Guinea and Shanghai, China.”

The statement further read. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, colleagues and friends at this difficult time and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul.”

Nigeria loses Consular General in Buea, Cameroon

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Sokoto, Zamfara communities reject calls for dialogue with Turji, fault Prof. Ribah

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Sokoto, Zamfara communities reject calls for dialogue with Turji, fault Prof. Ribah

By: Zagazola Makama

Communities in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, as well as parts of Shinkafi in Zamfara, have rejected fresh calls for dialogue with notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.

The rejection was contained in a strongly worded response to Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, who had advocated for renewed peace talks with Turji and his fighters as a pathway to stability in the North-West.

Residents, in a statement circulated to newsmen on Wednesday, said they were the “direct victims” of Turji’s decade-long reign of terror and would not accept peace overtures that fail to address justice and the plight of displaced persons.

They recalled that over 13 years, Turji’s group had attacked no fewer than 89 villages in Sabon Birni and Isa axis, killing scores, abducting hundreds for ransom, and forcing more than two-thirds of the population into displacement within Niger Republic.

“Prof. Ribah, we are the natives of the lands Turji has destroyed; our parents and grandparents still live in these communities. We do not need second-hand information. We know this tragedy more than anyone,” the statement read.

The communities accused Turji’s fighters of widespread atrocities, including mass killings, arson, cattle rustling, abductions, extortion, and sexual violence against women.

They also faulted earlier government-backed peace initiatives, which they said failed to stop Turji despite financial inducements, provision of livestock feed, and even construction of houses in his base at Fakai.

“Every attempt at dialogue only emboldened him. Bello Turji continues to torment our people. Therefore, forcing us into another round of fruitless peace is unacceptable,” the residents said.

They questioned whether Prof. Ribah had ever consulted with traditional rulers or displaced community leaders from Sabon Birni and Isa before canvassing reconciliation with the warlord.

“Sulhu (peace) is desirable in Islam, but no believer is compelled to put his hand twice into the same pit. We have suffered too many losses. Our communities have no trust left in Turji,” the statement added.

The residents stressed that genuine peace could only come through justice, accountability, and restoration of the rights of affected villagers.

Bello Turji, designated by the military as a wanted bandit leader, has been accused of masterminding several deadly attacks across Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger Republic border communities.

Sokoto, Zamfara communities reject calls for dialogue with Turji, fault Prof. Ribah

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