A chieftain of the Accord Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has raised concerns that Nigeria may be returning to a style of politics similar to the era of late military ruler Sani Abacha.
In a statement released ahead of the Accord Party presidential primary scheduled for May 30, 2026, Olawepo-Hashim accused powerful political interests of trying to weaken opposition parties before the 2027 general elections.
The former presidential candidate claimed there are ongoing efforts to silence alternative political voices and prevent strong opposition candidates from emerging against the ruling government.
According to him, some influential figures are allegedly working behind the scenes to destabilise opposition parties and limit political competition in the country.
Olawepo-Hashim warned that the current political atmosphere is beginning to resemble the period under General Abacha, when major political parties were believed to be operating under one dominant power structure.
He alleged that internal crises within the Accord Party were being sponsored by certain individuals to frustrate the party’s chances of presenting a presidential candidate in 2027.
The Kwara-born politician also claimed that some top political actors connected to the administration of President Bola Tinubu are allegedly involved in attempts to control the political space ahead of the next elections.
Despite the situation, he expressed confidence that any alleged plot to weaken democracy or suppress opposition voices would eventually fail.
Olawepo-Hashim insisted that Nigerians would resist any move capable of returning the country to what he described as anti-democratic politics.