A team of young female traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has invited seasoned politician and entrepreneur, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, to contest for the 2027 presidency after he recently rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking on behalf of the association, Murjanatu Idris, the FCT indigene and the association’s leader, said Nigerian youth yearned for an end to the abundance of “recycled names and faces” in Nigerian politics.
“There is never a better option than Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim. Nigerian youths are fed up with recycled faces and names that have only produced nothing but stagnation. New energy, vision, and sincerity of purpose are what we require, and we find these in Gbenga,” she stated.
Murjanatu had argued that any individual attacking the profile of Olawepo-Hashim must be out of touch with or lacking knowledge about Nigeria’s political past. She believed that he was one of the youngest voices of reformers who stood alongside other illustrious democrats such as Jerry Gana, Sule Lamido, Abubakar Rimi, and Sunday Awoniyi in the struggle for Nigeria’s democracy.
Highlighting his recent media engagement, she lauded Olawepo-Hashim’s interview with one of the national newspapers as evidence of his depth, nationalism, and vision for the country’s future.
“That interview set him apart as a leader who cares for the interest of the country. His words touched our hearts as young traders who feel the impact of Nigeria’s economic and political choices on a daily basis in the marketplace,” she added.
The group announced in September 2025 plans to officially endorse Olawepo-Hashim as their choice candidate and pledged to mobilize support for his presidential campaign.
“Our endorsement shall be loud and clear. We believe in his capacity to unite Nigeria, give dignity to the process of governance, and initiate policies that will empower ordinary people, especially women and youths,” Murjanatu asserted.
