North–South politics is a dangerous distraction — Gbenga Hashim

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a presidential hopeful on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Gbenga Hashim, has condemned what he described as deliberate attempts by aides of President Bola Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to fracture Nigeria along regional and ethnic lines.

Hashim said Nigerians were no longer interested in symbolic power-sharing arrangements, warning that renewed North–South rhetoric amounted to a betrayal of Nigeria and the spirit of nationhood.

Reacting to a statement credited to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, suggesting that politicians should consider a legal framework for rotational presidency, Hashim described the push for a North–South dichotomy by elements within the APC as a desperate political diversion aimed at shielding the present administration from scrutiny.

He characterised the strategy as “pedestrian, reckless and fundamentally undermining Nigeria’s national security interests.”

“Dividing Nigeria along regional lines 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,” Hashim said.

Addressing the build-up to the 2027 elections, the PDP chieftain dismissed arguments centred on rotational presidency, insisting that Nigerians were focused on outcomes rather than formulas.

Hashim reminded the APC that both regions had had ample opportunities to govern Nigeria since the return to democracy in 1999, noting that the South had produced presidents for about 17 years, while the North had governed for roughly 10 years within the same period.

“Leadership failure cannot be blamed on geography. Both regions have governed. What matters now is performance, not origin,” he said.

He warned that reviving ethnic narratives at a time of deep economic distress, worsening insecurity and growing social fragmentation only exposed the ruling party’s lack of credible solutions.

“Using ethnicity and region to mask incompetence is not only lazy politics; it is a direct insult to Nigerians who are struggling to survive,” Hashim added.

Calling on citizens across the country to reject divisive politics, Hashim said the APC would be unable to hide behind regional sentiment in the next election cycle.

“Come 2027, Nigerians will vote for leadership, not tribal loyalty. The era of emotional blackmail is over,” he said.

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