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Olawepo-Hashim and the Leadership Nigeria Deserves in 2027
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
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces in Zamfara State have arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Mannir Adam, for allegedly transporting 800 rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in the fuel tank of a motorcycle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a resident of Yankuzo village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, was intercepted at about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway.
He was arrested at a security checkpoint in Yankara while riding a red Boxer motorcycle.
According to the sources, a search conducted by the operatives led to the discovery of 800 rounds of live ammunition for an AK-47 rifle, which had been carefully hidden inside the motorcycle’s fuel tank.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly picked up the ammunition from the Bawa area in Saminaka Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He was reportedly transporting the ammunition to Kucheri village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where it was suspected to be destined for armed bandits operating in the area.
Security sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups terrorising communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The suspect is currently in custody while further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in the illegal arms supply chain.
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Plateau has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Jos North Local Government Area.
Police sources said the suspects were arrested on March 9 at about 9:15 p.m. by a team of operatives acting on credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Yakmoe of Angwan Rukuba and Alfred Song of Furaka Junction, both residents of Jos North.
According to police, a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed one Nandi Budadi Taki of his iPhone 16 Pro Max at gunpoint.
Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional Beretta pistol from Yakmoe at his residence in Angwan Rukuba.
Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that discreet investigation was ongoing.
The command also said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and recover additional weapons.
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
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Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
By Ayo Ajayi
In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters.
For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff who may not be fully informed about the workings of the system. In such an atmosphere, maintaining discipline, order, and institutional focus requires more than routine administration—it demands patience, clarity of purpose, and steady leadership.
Dr. Ikharo has sought to provide exactly that. Known among colleagues for his methodical approach to public service administration, he has remained focused on ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively despite the distractions created by internal disagreements and misinformation.
His journey within the National Assembly bureaucracy reflects years of dedication to institutional development.
Dr. Ikharo joined the National Assembly Service Commission in 2002 as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Through diligence and professional commitment, he steadily rose through the ranks of the public service, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2017.
Dr Lucky Ikharo was among the pioneer staff members entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the Commission’s Meeting Secretariat, a role he diligently handled for over nine years. In that capacity, he played a critical role in ensuring the smooth organization and documentation of the Commission’s high-level deliberations.
Following this period, Dr. Ikharo broadened his administrative horizon by serving in various departments within the Commission. These experiences exposed him to the diverse operational dynamics of the institution and helped shape his deep understanding of its administrative processes.
Dr. Ikharo serves as the Secretary to the Commission. His journey through different strategic units of the organisation has positioned him well for the role, affirming the popular saying that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.
Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the Commission. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Director of Promotions, Discipline and Appeals, a role that placed him at the heart of staff management and administrative justice within the organisation. He later served as Director of Procurement and General Services from 2019 to 2020, overseeing critical operational and procurement processes of the Commission.
Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Ikharo is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), reflecting his commitment to professional development and capacity building in public service.Observers say his leadership style is defined by calm engagement rather than confrontation. At a time when rumours and internal tensions threaten to distract the Commission from its statutory mandate, his stewardship has focused on maintaining stability, reinforcing administrative procedures, and ensuring that the institution continues to carry out its responsibilities to the legislature and the Nigerian public.
Indeed, leadership within public institutions often unfolds quietly, away from public applause. Yet it is precisely in such moments of internal turbulence that the character of a public administrator becomes most visible. For Dr. Lucky Ikharo, the challenge has been to keep the Commission steady, demonstrating that experience, patience, and commitment to institutional integrity remain essential pillars of effective public service leadership.
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
Babani assumes office as LCBC chief, pledges stronger regional security, cooperation
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