PDP Presidential Aspirant, Gbenga Hashim Resigns From Party

A candidate for the presidency representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Hashim, has opted to leave the party, pointing to what he considers worsening internal conflicts and failed reconciliation attempts.

According to Naija News, Hashim revealed his departure in a letter dated April 4, 2026, which was directed to the PDP Chairman of Usuma Ward in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, indicating that his resignation is effective immediately.

In the correspondence, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP noted that the party has been caught in a continuous turmoil for over a year, which he attributed to the rise of competing factions within its ranks.

He characterized the scenario as a significant hindrance to the party's cohesiveness and its capability to function effectively as opposition.

He pointed out that the PDP has been dealing with "ongoing and relentless crises," which have led to the formation of two principal factions within the organization.

Hashim revealed that he, along with other party leaders, had made numerous efforts to mediate between the discontented factions and to promote unity in the party.

Nevertheless, he expressed his disappointment that these reconciliation attempts did not succeed in resolving the conflict. He stated that the persistent discord has diminished the party's unity and weakened its position as a national political entity.

The former leader within the PDP contended that the internal turmoil appeared to be partly designed to diminish the party's prospects for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

He suggested that this situation might hinder the PDP from offering viable candidates or reduce it to merely a passive supporter of the current ruling party.

"I cannot, in good conscience, be a part of actions that erode democratic principles," he remarked.

Hashim further mentioned that remaining in such a political climate would contradict his own beliefs.

The politician also voiced his worries regarding Nigeria's current socio-economic landscape, referencing issues such as insecurity, loss of lives, and financial struggles experienced nationwide.

He added that it would be inconsistent with his values to stay in a political framework that seems to endorse the current state of affairs.

Hashim described the current condition of the PDP as disheartening, attributing its decline from what he once viewed as a powerful political entity to internal strife and self-serving interests.

He stated that he intends to collaborate with other committed Nigerians to avert the rise of a one-party system and to contribute to the establishment of a renewed political landscape centered around security, equity, and economic growth.