A former presidential aspirant and senior All Progressives Congress (APC) figure, Bayo Olawepo-Hashim, has asserted emphatically that the ruling party cannot undermine or derail Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, even amid rising political tensions and heated debates over electoral arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim addressed concerns raised by critics who claim that the dominance of the APC at the federal level, coupled with its organisational reach across states, could stifle political competition and marginalise opposition voices. He rejected such assertions, saying the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the vibrancy of the country’s political culture make any attempt to monopolise power both untenable and contrary to constitutional principles.
According to Olawepo-Hashim, political pluralism is entrenched in Nigeria’s governance framework, and the APC, like all parties, must operate within the rules that guarantee freedom of association, political competition and electoral integrity. He argued that the APC’s role should not be characterised as a threat to democracy but rather as part of the broader contest of ideas and policies that define democratic engagement in Nigeria.
Olawepo-Hashim also urged opposition parties to strengthen their internal structures, build credible platforms and engage voters on substantive policy alternatives rather than focusing primarily on rhetoric about political exclusion. In his view, a healthy multi-party system depends equally on robust opposition participation as well as responsible conduct from the ruling party.
The remarks come amid intensifying political activity across the country, with major parties ramping up preparations for primaries, coalition building, and policy positioning for the 2027 general elections. Observers say Olawepo-Hashim’s comments reflect internal APC efforts to reassure stakeholders and the public that Nigeria’s democratic architecture remains resilient despite periodic disputes and contestations over governance and political space.
He reiterated that Nigeria’s democratic journey is not defined by the fortunes of any single party but by the capacity of citizens and institutions to uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties and enable peaceful political competition
