Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has slammed the Federal Government, accusing it of prioritising political ambitions ahead of Nigeria’s security and unity.
In a statement released over the weekend, Hashim criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration for what he described as a “shamefully political and dangerously unserious” approach to tackling the nation’s worsening insecurity.
According to Hashim, the government’s response to escalating terrorist and bandit attacks has been more focused on propaganda and politicking than genuine efforts to safeguard the lives of citizens.
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“This government treats the blood of innocent Nigerians like a campaign statistic,” he said.
“Instead of confronting terrorists and bandits, they are busy issuing statements and blaming imaginary enemies. Governance is not propaganda.”
The PDP stalwart accused the ruling APC of being more concerned with electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections than addressing the growing security threats facing the country.
He alleged that the party was more focused on courting opposition governors than uniting the country or combating violent extremism.
“The APC is more interested in securing PDP governors ahead of 2027 than securing Nigeria. Rather than uniting the country, the APC is pitching the South against the North,” he stated.
Hashim also linked the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity to a recent move by the United States to consider placing Nigeria on a watchlist for religious freedom violations and security concerns.
While rejecting any claims of state-sponsored genocide, he admitted the government’s failure to confront terrorism with seriousness had triggered international alarm.
“While Nigeria does not have a state policy of genocide or persecution against Christians or any particular group, the levity with which the government has handled terrorist activities should worry every decent human being, not only Americans,” Hashim noted.
He warned that unless decisive action is taken, terrorist groups could gain greater control of northern territories, particularly in the North Central zone, before the next election cycle.
“If this trend continues, terrorist networks could establish parallel governments in parts of the North. Too many politicians are dancing around 2027, ignoring the fire already consuming the nation,” he cautioned.
“If this continues, the context for elections may not even exist when the time comes.”
Hashim also took aim at the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, criticising what he termed an “endless imposition of taxes and levies” on struggling citizens.
He warned that such fiscal measures were fuelling poverty and increasing the risk of social unrest.
“When people can’t eat or live in dignity, social violence becomes inevitable,” he said.
“You can’t tax hunger out of poverty you only create more chaos.”
Calling for urgent reforms, Hashim urged the government to overhaul the national security structure, address the economic roots of violence, and rally Nigerians around a unified plan for peace and development.
“We must save Nigeria now. Delay is dangerous. This is not about politics anymore it is about the survival of our nation,” he concluded.
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