Kebbi stands still for Gbenga Hashim as groups drum support ahead 2027

Birnin Kebbi was agog over the weekend as various support groups backing the presidential aspiration of Gbenga Hashim converged on the Kebbi State capital, intensifying grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The groups, operating under different platforms, declared Hashim as “their son” and pledged massive support for his ambition, while urging Nigerians across the country to rally behind what they described as a credible, inclusive and unifying leadership project.

Speaking at the gathering, members of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement and other allied organisations said the convergence was aimed at consolidating existing support structures, expanding community-level outreach, and strengthening political engagement across Kebbi State and beyond.

Leader of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement in Kebbi State, Muhammad Mustapha Yauri, said the people of the state, particularly those from Yauri Emirate, considered it a collective responsibility to stand firmly behind Hashim, who was born in Yauri, Kebbi State.

According to Yauri, Hashim’s late father was an indigene of Kebbi State, while his mother is of Yoruba extraction, a background he said symbolises national integration, unity and inclusiveness,qualities Nigeria urgently needs at this critical stage of its democratic journey.

National Coordinator of the movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, commended supporters for their sustained commitment and growing enthusiasm, describing Hashim as a worthy son and brother whose background, competence and global exposure uniquely position him to offer transformative leadership to Nigeria.

Read also: Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement strengthens Northern mobilisation, rallies support in Kaduna

Hamzat said that Hashim, a renowned global businessman, possessed the requisite knowledge, experience and international networks to reset Nigeria’s development trajectory and place the nation on a sustainable path of economic growth, innovation and shared prosperity.

Also speaking, Chief of Staff to Gbenga Hashim, Kamaldeen Sani Adebayo, described the presidential aspirant as a successful entrepreneur with business interests across several countries. He noted that although Dr. Hashim has never held public office, he is driven by a strong desire to give back to the nation through purposeful, transparent and people-centred leadership.

Earlier, the Kebbi State Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Mustapha Yauri, assured supporters that mobilisation efforts would be intensified across all local government areas and social strata in the state to ensure widespread awareness and support for Hashim’s presidential ambition ahead of 2027.

In her remarks, a women leader at the event, Hajiya Hauwa, expressed optimism that a Gbenga Hashim presidency would prioritise the welfare of women, particularly those in rural communities, through inclusive governance, economic empowerment initiatives and expanded access to opportunities.

Malam Garkuwa, a coordinator from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former council chairman of Shanga Local Government Area in Kebbi State, paid glowing tributes to Hashim and called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure the actualisation of his presidential ambition.

Similarly, Garba Mohammed, coordinator of another pro-Hashim support group, who was represented by Engr. Lawal, thanked the visiting delegation from Abuja and assured supporters that a Gbenga Hashim presidency would work for all Nigerians and tackle insecurity decisively.

The event also featured goodwill messages from leaders of various support groups and enthusiastic supporters, who expressed confidence in Hashim’s vision and looked forward to his visit to Kebbi State.

Political analysts who spoke on the development said that Hashim’s multicultural background, private-sector success, national outlook and growing grassroots support across regions were among the factors that make him a strong contender for the presidency.

With years of experience in Nigerian journalism, Iniobong Iwok has built a reputation for deep political insight, compelling storytelling, and consistent, fact-driven reporting.

Over the years, he has gained extensive experience reporting and writing incisive political analysis. Iniobong has interviewed key political figures across Nigeria and covered major national events, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

A versatile journalist, he also has strong experience in education reporting and sector analysis. His work reflects a deep commitment to good governance and public accountability.

Iniobong holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Sociology (Development Specialisation) from Lagos State University.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date