A former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Hashim, has expressed optimism that Nigeria can regain its economic strength if guided by visionary leadership and sound policies.

Hashim spoke when PDP chairmen from the 62 wards in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), local government chairmen from the six area councils, and members of the State Working Committee, led by the FCT Chairman of the party, Ismail Mohammed Dogara, paid him a thank-you visit at his office in Utako.

The delegation reaffirmed its support for Hashim’s political vision and pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation within the PDP. They also said the visit was to appreciate his consistent engagement with party members and encourage his continued involvement in strengthening the party ahead of future elections.

Speaking during the meeting, Hashim said Nigeria possesses the resources and human capital required to rebuild its economy, stressing that the country’s current challenges could be reversed with purposeful leadership and effective policy direction.

He noted that Nigeria once enjoyed a strong and vibrant economy driven by transparency, discipline and productive governance, adding that earlier generations of leaders laid foundations that enabled the country to compete favourably with other emerging economies.

According to him, Nigeria’s economic prosperity was evident in 1966 when the country’s Gross Domestic Product was said to be double that of Malaysia and larger than Indonesia, while in 1976 Nigeria’s per capita income reportedly exceeded that of China.

Hashim also cited the industrial growth recorded in northern Nigeria during the First Republic as an example of what visionary leadership could achieve. He recalled that policies introduced under the late Northern Premier, Ahmadu Bello, transformed Kaduna into a thriving textile hub that created employment for thousands of workers.

He said the experience demonstrates that Nigeria still has the capacity to rebuild its industrial base, revive manufacturing and create large-scale employment opportunities for its growing population.

“Poverty, disease, ignorance and unemployment are not normal conditions for Nigeria because this country has prospered before,” Hashim said, expressing confidence that economic revival remains achievable.

He also urged party officials at the grassroots to strengthen mobilisation efforts, describing ward leaders as the “commanders” of the party’s structure whose roles are critical to electoral success.

Hashim further expressed optimism that ongoing reconciliation efforts within the PDP would restore unity among members.

“We will unite the PDP; all the factions have agreed to work together,” he said.
Earlier, the FCT Chairman of the PDP, Dogara, commended Hashim for maintaining close contact with party members at all levels.

He described the former presidential candidate as a pan-Nigerian leader who regularly engages grassroots stakeholders and carries them along in his political activities.

According to him, the visit was also aimed at reaffirming solidarity with Hashim and encouraging him to sustain his engagement with party structures across the country.

“Other presidential candidates hardly sit down with ward chairmen. You can see how Dr Hashim has humbled himself to engage with us at the grassroots,” Dogara said.