Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has criticised the Federal Government for what he described as its “shamefully political and dangerously unserious” handling of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Hashim said the government’s response to persistent terrorist and bandit attacks has been driven more by propaganda and partisan interests than by genuine concern for citizens’ safety.
“This government treats the blood of innocent Nigerians like a campaign statistic,” he said in a statement issued at the weekend. “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.”
According to him, the recent move by the United States to consider placing Nigeria on its religious freedom and security watchlist was a direct result of the Federal Government’s failure to protect its citizens.
“While Nigeria does not have a state policy of genocide or persecution against Christians or any group, the levity with which the government has handled terrorist activities should worry every decent human being, not only Americans,” Hashim stated.
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He warned that if the current situation persists, terrorist groups could entrench themselves and establish parallel authorities in parts of northern Nigeria before the 2027 general elections, with the North Central region as their main target.
Hashim also accused political elites of prioritising electoral ambitions over national stability, saying, “Too many politicians are dancing around 2027, ignoring the fire already consuming the nation. If this continues, the context for elections may not even exist when the time comes.”
On the economy, the former presidential candidate, faulted the Tinubu administration’s fiscal policies, particularly what he called “the endless imposition of taxes and levies on already suffering citizens,” arguing that such measures were deepening poverty and insecurity.
“When people can’t eat or live in dignity, social violence becomes inevitable,” he noted. “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 rally Nigerians around a sincere plan for peace and development.
“We must save Nigeria now. Delay is dangerous. This is not about politics anymore; it is about the survival of our nation,” he concluded.
