Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Urges PDP Reconciliation Following Contested Abuja Convention And Recognition Of Wike-Backed Faction

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim urges PDP leaders to seek reconciliation and harmonize parallel structures following the contested Wike-backed Abuja convention.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 10:12 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

The Imperative Of Post-Convention Dialogue

In the wake of the highly contentious National Convention led by the Nyesom Wike-backed faction, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has issued a call for restraint and renewed engagement within the Peoples Democratic Party. The presidential aspirant emphasized that the official recognition of a specific faction does not negate the necessity for total party unity. He argued that the current trajectory of the PDP, marked by deep structural divisions, poses a significant threat to its status as a formidable opposition force. According to Olawepo-Hashim, the party cannot afford to function as a house divided if it intends to remain relevant in the 2026 and 2027 electoral cycles.

Navigating Legal Avenues For A Political Compromise

As several factions head to the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, Olawepo-Hashim noted that the judiciary provides a legitimate framework for resolution. However, he suggested that a "consent judgment"—a legal agreement reached through political compromise—remains a superior alternative to a protracted court battle. He urged party leaders to prioritize these out-of-court settlements to resolve the existence of parallel National Working Committees and conflicting state structures. By harmonizing these disparate groups, the party could theoretically restore the internal stability required to challenge the ruling administration.

Protecting The PDP’s Founding Principles Of Inclusivity

A core theme of Olawepo-Hashim’s appeal is the return to the PDP’s original identity as an inclusive national platform. He cautioned that factional interests are currently overshadowing the founding ideals of sacrifice and collective governance that once defined the party. The presidential aspirant warned that sidelining major stakeholders would only lead to a further exodus of members to emerging platforms like the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This warning comes as several high-profile defectors have already been welcomed into other parties, highlighting the urgency of a unified reconciliation effort.