By Henry Obetta

The North Central Zonal Congress of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held over the weekend in Jos, Plateau State.

The congress, however, became an unexpected political spectacle as a former presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim’s presence was overwhelming despite not being physically present.

The event was seen as an official declaration of his return to the PDP.

Many at the venue said he may have quietly returned to the party over the months given his intense consultations with major stake holders in the Zone.

It was gathered that he had earlier met the only PDP Governor in the Zone, Mr Caleb Muftwang; former Governor of Benue, Mr Samuel Ortom; Senator Zainab Kure from Niger State, Chairmen of the six North Central State and the FCT and other key stake holders.

He reportedly held an elaborate meeting with critical stakeholders in his immediate constituency, FCT.

Olawepo-Hashim, it was further gathered, held several meetings with the National chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun .
His banners, flyers and messages towered over the venue, sparking excitement and debate among delegates from all six North Central states — Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, and Plateau and FCT.

An incoming zonal officer from Benue State, who spoke on confidence Dr. Olawepo-Hashim one of the conveners of the PDP in 1998 and its first elected Deputy National Publicity Secretary represents a breath of fresh air—he has integrity, experience, and a national outlook.

The zonal officer stressed the need for the PDP to be united ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP needs new energy, and the crowd response today shows people are ready for change.

“Hashim, a respected businessman, human rights activist, and one-time presidential aspirant, has built a reputation for principled politics, democratic advocacy, and economic nationalism”, the PDP official said.

Though he is yet to formally declare his return to the PDP, many party members are already hailing his potential comeback as a turning point.

Observers of political events hold the view that the congress in Jos could mark the beginning of a broader party realignment.
Speaking on the event in Jos, an Abuja-based political analyst, Hadiza Aminu said: “What we witnessed in Jos wasn’t just political optics, it was a statement.

“Hashim’s rising profile signals that the PDP may be ready to return to its founding values and reintroduce ideological politics into Nigeria’s democratic discourse.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his next political move, one thing became clear at the congress: Olawepo-Hashim has reignited hope in a party grappling with internal crisis and waning public trust.