Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believes the party can displace the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

He made the known in a statement as he accused the ruling APC of engaging in actions that weaken the opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle.

He said that despite what he describes as legal and administrative pressure against opposition parties, it will not derail Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

He stressed that similar efforts have been replicated under the military rule of the late General Sani Abacha, which was unsuccessful.

“Our founding fathers deliberately chose multiparty democracy and embedded it in our constitutional framework. That legacy will be preserved,” Hashim said, warning that Nigeria would not slide into authoritarian or one-party rule.

He further called on Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant in defending democratic norms, stressing that democracy could only be protected through transparency, accountability and adherence to constitutional principles.

He said he remained confident that Nigerians would use the ballot to remove the APC from power peacefully and constitutionally in 2027.