Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has faulted the Federal Government for what he described as its “shamefully political and dangerously unserious” response to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, warning that the country risks collapse if current trends continue.
In a statement at the weekend, Hashim said the recent debate in the United States over whether to place Nigeria on a watchlist for human rights and religious concerns was a direct reflection of the government’s failure to protect its citizens from terrorism and banditry.
“This government treats the blood of innocent Nigerians like a campaign statistic,” he said. “Instead of confronting terrorists and bandits, they are busy issuing statements and blaming imaginary enemies. Governance is not propaganda. The APC is more interested in securing PDP governors ahead of 2027 than securing Nigeria.”
He noted that although Nigeria does not have a state policy of genocide or religious persecution, the Federal Government’s nonchalant handling of terrorist activities has painted a disturbing image of the country abroad.
“While Nigeria does not practice genocide, the levity with which this administration has handled terrorism should concern every decent human being, not only Americans,” Hashim added.
The Global Energy executive warned that terrorist networks could soon entrench themselves in parts of northern Nigeria if decisive action is not taken, predicting that the North Central zone may become their major battlefield before the 2027 general elections.
Hashim accused the political class of being preoccupied with electoral ambitions while the country faces grave threats. “Too many politicians are dancing around 2027, ignoring the fire already consuming the nation. If this continues, there may not even be a context for elections when the time comes,” he cautioned.
Turning to the economy, the former presidential hopeful condemned what he described as the administration’s “tax-heavy” economic strategy, saying the continuous imposition of levies on struggling citizens was worsening poverty and insecurity.
“When people can’t eat or live in dignity, social violence becomes inevitable,” he said. “You can’t tax hunger out of poverty; you only create more chaos.”
Hashim urged the Federal Government to urgently reform the national security architecture, address the economic roots of violence, and unite Nigerians behind a sincere plan for peace and development.
“We must save Nigeria now,” he concluded. “Delay is dangerous. This is not about politics anymore; it is about the survival of our nation.”
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