By John Ikani
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Trust Party (PTP) in the 2019 election on Wednesday, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection was contained in a statement titled “Prominent politician, Olawepo-Hashim, pitches tent with APC.”
The ex-presidential candidate was quoted in the statement as saying he opted for the APC to actualise his vision because the party is not just populated by people with whom they founded the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) together, but also because the party is a reasonable pathway for the preservation of the unity and progress of the nation.
Olawepo-Hashim went on to note that he is now convinced about the passion of President Muhammadu Buhari to fight corruption in Nigeria, even though critics have questioned the effectiveness of his anti-corruption crusade.
He further disclosed that he has formally registered in Usuma Ward in Abuja as it is procedurally required after series of consultations with top politicians like the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; and a former Governor of Benue State, George Akume.
The statement read in part, “opting for the APC to actualise my vision because the party is not just populated by people with whom we founded the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) together but also because the party is a reasonable pathway for the preservation of the unity and progress of the nation.”
“In deciding for the APC, I have no illusion that I have come to a perfect party or that the struggle to birth a new Nigeria on this my chosen new platform will be easy.
“I remain solid in my pursuit of a New Nigeria, Modern, United Peaceful and prosperous! God bless us all.”
