FORMER presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has pledged to restore the value of the naira to an exchange rate of between N500–N525 to one United States dollar if elected President of Nigeria, as thousands of Accord Party supporters in FCT converged on Dawaki Abuja on Thursday to reaffirm their loyalty and support for his 2027 presidential ambition.

Addressing the mammoth gathering in Abuja on Thursday, Hashim thanked party members and supporters for what he described as their resilience, steadfastness and courage throughout the recent primary processes of the Accord Party.

The former presidential candidate used the occasion to launch a scathing criticism of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the government of failing to address the country’s worsening economic situation and the hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.

According to him, the economic realities facing citizens continue to deteriorate daily, with rising costs of living, declining purchasing power and growing unemployment deepening the suffering of ordinary families across the country.

Hashim alleged that those currently in power were more preoccupied with retaining political control than addressing the pressing needs of the people. He further claimed that elements within the government had become involved in the internal affairs of opposition parties, including the ADC, PDP and Accord Party, in a bid to weaken alternative political platforms ahead of future elections.

He warned that attempts to restrict democratic participation and undermine political competition could have serious consequences, arguing that history had repeatedly shown that leaders who sought to cling desperately to power often faced public rejection and divine judgment in Nigeria.

Drawing historical parallels, Hashim referenced the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, stating that no individual could permanently suppress the will of the people or obstruct the course of democracy.

The Accord Party chieftain also expressed disappointment with sections of the party leadership over their recent position regarding his presidential aspiration, maintaining that the timing and content of their public statements had raised questions about the integrity and transparency of the process.

He insisted that his political involvement was driven not by personal ambition but by a commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerians, which he said had significantly worsened under the current administration.

Hashim lamented the growing difficulties faced by parents in meeting basic responsibilities, particularly the payment of school fees, noting that many families were being forced to make painful sacrifices to keep their children in school. (Tribune News)

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