PDP convention: Olawepo-Hashim leads peace talks with Saraki, others amid defections

Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Convention scheduled for November, former presidential candidate and party chieftain, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has embarked on a reconciliation mission across the North Central zone to strengthen unity within the party.

As part of his consultations, Olawepo-Hashim met with several key leaders, including former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and former Minister of Sports, Damishi Sango, in what observers describe as a strategic effort to rebuild trust and cohesion within the PDP.

Speaking after the meeting with Saraki, Olawepo-Hashim said both leaders agreed to work together for the greater interest of the country and the stability of the party.

“We agreed to work together for the greater interest of Nigeria, to rebuild the PDP in the North Central zone and the nation at large,” he said.

Political observers view Olawepo-Hashim’s renewed engagements as part of broader efforts to consolidate the PDP’s North Central bloc, widely regarded as the moral conscience of the party.

The reconciliation drive also comes amid continued defections of PDP officials and members across several states, who have cited internal leadership crises and weakening national influence as major concerns.

Olawepo-Hashim’s ongoing outreach, analysts believe, highlights his growing profile as a consensus builder and unifying voice within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.