PDP Founding Member Dr. Gbenga Hashim Resigns, Decries Party Crisis and One-Party State Threat
In a significant political development, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has officially resigned from the party with immediate effect. Hashim, who was one of the conveners of the PDP in 1998 and served as its first elected Deputy National Publicity Secretary, has vowed to collaborate with other democrats to prevent the emergence of a one-party state in Nigeria.
Letter of Resignation and Reasons for Departure
In a letter dated April 4, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP, Usuma Ward, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, FCT, Dr. Hashim outlined his reasons for leaving the party. He noted that the PDP has been embroiled in persistent crises for over a year, leading to its complete factionalisation into two dominant groups. "You are also witness to the numerous reconciliation efforts I undertook, alongside other well-meaning leaders, to bridge these divisions and restore unity within the party. Regrettably, these efforts did not yield the desired results," he stated.
Hashim expressed that it has become increasingly evident that the crisis was partly orchestrated to weaken the PDP as a viable opposition. "It has become increasingly evident that the crisis was, in part, orchestrated to weaken the PDP as a viable opposition, potentially preventing it from fielding credible candidates in the 2027 elections or, at worst, reducing it to a position of tacit support for the incumbent administration," he explained.
Commitment to Democratic Values and Nigerian People
Asserting his principles, Hashim declared that he cannot, in good conscience, be complicit in actions that undermine democratic values. "To remain in a system that appears to endorse a leadership record I fundamentally disagree with would be a betrayal of my principles and commitment to the Nigerian people," he added. He highlighted Nigeria's severe challenges, including widespread insecurity, continuous loss of lives, and an economy in distress with rising poverty.
Hashim claimed that Nigeria is experiencing terrorist wars in four of its six regions, with massacres of innocent people becoming a daily occurrence. "Over 18,000 people have been killed in terrorist violence in the three years of the current administration," he alleged. He further criticized the economic situation, stating, "The economy has crumbled, and crippling poverty has soared. Only wickedness, greed, and lack of integrity would keep any leader in a system that appears to endorse such outcomes or participate in any charade to coronate a pre-determined candidate."
Lament Over PDP's Decline and Future Plans
Dr. Hashim lamented that the PDP, founded by committed democrats and patriots, has been weakened by internal divisions and self-serving interests. "It is indeed disheartening that a great party, founded by some of Nigeria's most committed democrats and patriots, has been brought to its knees by internal divisions and individuals whose primary distinction is that they benefited the most from the public offices entrusted to them by the PDP," he said.
At this juncture, Hashim believes it is necessary to step aside and pursue a new path. "I am compelled by the urgent political realities of our time to collaborate with other patriotic leaders and citizens committed to preventing the emergence of a one-party state and to building a new political order that guarantees security, justice, and economic prosperity for all Nigerians. The time has come to move forward," he concluded.
In his resignation, Dr. Hashim expressed appreciation to the ward chairman, members of the Ward Executive Committee, and other stakeholders for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure in the party.
