The North Central zonal congress of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held over the weekend in Jos, Plateau State became an unexpected political spectacle as former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim’s presence was overwhelming despite not being physically present or officially declaring his return to the party.
Reports suggested that he might have quietly returned to the party over the months given his intense consultations with major stake holders in the zone such as the party’s only Governor in the Zone, Barrister Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State; former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom; Senator Zainab Kure from Niger State; chairmen of the six states in the zone, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); and other key stakeholders.
He reportedly held a big meeting with critical stake holders in his immediate constituency (FCT), which was kept away from the media.
Information has it that Olawepo-Hashim has held several meetings with the chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagun.
Olawepo-Hashim’s influence was impossible to miss in Jos. His banners, flyers, and messages towered over the venue, sparking excitement and debate among delegates from all six states — Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau — and the FCT.
Observers say that the sudden surge of support for him is a reflection of deep rooted discontent within the PDP, and a growing demand for ideological clarity, unity, and credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
An incoming zonal officer from Benue State said: ‘Dr. Gbenga-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 PDP needs new energy, and the crowd response today shows people are ready for change’.
A respected businessman and human rights activist, Olawepo-Hashim has built a reputation for principled politics, democratic advocacy, and economic nationalism.
Though he has yet to formally declare his return to the PDP, many party members are already hailing his potential comeback as a turning point.
Analysts say the congress in Jos could mark the beginning of a broader party realignment.
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’.
