Former Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s remarks during his recent meeting with Catholic bishops at the Presidential Villa, saying the President’s public communication left him worried.
In a statement released on Monday, Olawepo-Hashim said he repeatedly listened to the President’s comments and concluded that the Tinubu he heard was different from the person he knew between 2018 and 2021.
According to him, his concerns are based on compassion rather than politics.
“I listened to the recording over and over again. That was not the Bola Tinubu I knew between 2018 and 2021. I left deeply concerned. I am not making a medical diagnosis, but the President’s public communication gives me the impression that he may require genuine help,” he said.
‘My Concern Is Human, Not Political’
Olawepo-Hashim insisted that his comments were motivated by concern for the President’s well-being and not by political rivalry.
He added that those close to President Tinubu should prioritise his health, conduct and the country’s interest above electoral politics.
“Unlike many Nigerians who are angry with him, I genuinely feel pity for President Tinubu. My greatest worry is that those around him appear more interested in securing another election than in giving him the attention he deserves,” he stated.
Calls for Credible 2027 Elections
While expressing concern over the President’s recent public appearance, Olawepo-Hashim warned against any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
He recalled the 2015 general election, when former President Goodluck Jonathan accepted defeat and peacefully handed over power, describing it as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
According to him, the 2027 general election must meet or even surpass that standard of credibility.
“Any election that falls short of the 2015 democratic standard will not be acceptable to the Nigerian people or to Nigeria’s friends across the world,” he said.
Appeal to INEC and Security Agencies
The former presidential candidate also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other democratic institutions to remain impartial and uphold the Constitution.
“Nigeria needs free and fair elections, not coronations. Our institutions must serve the Constitution, not any individual or political party,” he stated.
He concluded by stressing that Nigeria’s democracy is bigger than any individual or political party and urged leaders to protect the country’s democratic future.
“This is a defining moment. We owe future generations a democracy stronger than the one we inherited. Nigeria must move forward, not backwards,” he added.
