By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — Presidential hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned what he described as a deliberate attempt by aides of President Bola Tinubu to divide Nigeria along regional and ethnic lines, warning that such rhetoric threatens national unity and security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Olawepo-Hashim, reacting to comments attributed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, accused elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of reviving a North–South political dichotomy as a diversion from what he described as worsening economic conditions, insecurity and governance failures.
In a statement, yesterday, Olawepo-Hashim, said the strategy was reckless and undermined Nigeria’s national security interest at a time when the country was grappling with deep economic distress and social strain.
“Dividing Nigeria along regional lines in order to escape accountability for governance failure is shameful and dangerous. It is a direct betrayal of the oath to defend the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Nigerians are not asking for a Northern or Southern president. They are asking for a competent president, one who can revive the economy, secure lives and property, and unite the country around a shared future of prosperity.
“Leadership failure cannot be blamed on geography. Both regions have governed. What matters now is performance, not origin.
“Using ethnicity and region to mask incompetence is not only lazy politics, it is a direct insult to Nigerians who are struggling to survive.
“Come 2027, Nigerians will vote for leadership, not tribal loyalty. The era of emotional blackmail is over,” he stressed.