Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has officially returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring the party as Nigeria’s only true national platform capable of steering the country out of its current crisis.

Speaking during a visit to the PDP National Working Committee at the party's Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Olawepo-Hashim said that despite internal challenges and past defections, the PDP still has the grassroots strength and national reach to take back power in 2027.

“Since 1998, the PDP has had a solid presence in nearly every polling unit in Nigeria. That legacy still lives,” he said.

Olawepo-Hashim stressed that the party’s real strength lies not in big political names but in the loyalty and trust of ordinary Nigerians, who he said, have never left the PDP.

He also praised Ambassador Umar Damagum, the party’s Acting National Chairman, for his steady leadership through difficult times.

“Ambassador Damagum has shown wisdom and maturity, keeping the party together even when others tried to tear it apart,” he noted.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Olawepo-Hashim called on the PDP to field a credible, visionary candidate who can prioritize security, economic revival, and social justice.

He urged members not to lose hope and called for unity and discipline to position the PDP as the true alternative to the ruling APC.

“Nigerians are tired of recycled promises. They are looking for bold, new leadership. The PDP must rise to that challenge,” he concluded.

With his return, Olawepo-Hashim is expected to play a key role in shaping the party’s strategy ahead of 2027.