Ex-presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has accused some political elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly sponsoring renewed allegations against him through his former wife, describing it as part of a smear campaign to discredit him ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna, Olawepo-Hashim alleged that his ex-wife’s recent claims in the media were orchestrated by remnants of the same political handlers who, he said, plotted to stop his 2019 presidential bid.

He said, “She had been recruited by elements around Buhari in the UK High Commission. Apart from other sinister things they did, they tried to frame me for funding terrorism. I was questioned in the UK and released when no evidence was found. She was the one who gave the information to the UK authorities.”

The PDP chieftain alleged that the same group seized two of his oil assets during that period, forcing him into a prolonged legal battle.

He further recalled, “In November 2020, the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Taiwo Taiwo, restored the Hely Creek and Abigborodo marginal oil fields to my company, Transnational Energy Limited (TEL), after ruling that the government’s revocation of the fields was illegal. The court also awarded $20 million in damages against the federal institutions involved.”

Olawepo-Hashim also claimed that his ex-wife’s legal battle in the UK was part of that broader scheme against him.

He explained that she obtained an undefended divorce judgment in England in which she was awarded £18 million (about ₦36 billion), but the judgment was later annulled by a Nigerian court since their marriage was conducted under Nigerian law.

He alleged, “APC handlers funded her with millions of dollars, nominating her for several foreign grants for female entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. My lawyers have written to her several times to provide account details for the children’s upkeep, but she refused because she wants £18 million, not money for their welfare.”

The PDP chief added that his ex-wife had denied his family access to their children, while asserting that the move to blackmail him and work against his presidential ambition in 2027 will fail.

He maintained that the revival of his wife’s story was politically motivated, asserting that, “Now that the 2027 campaign has started, the same APC team has picked her up again, pushing her story in the media.”

Olawepo-Hashim dismissed reports of a new court order directing one of his companies to pay ₦300 million, calling it “an invention of an APC night court.”

He said no such process was ever served on his legal team.

“This is an act of desperation on their part, and it shows our message is biting them. Picking up stories from bitter women against opposition figures will not save the APC from imminent defeat in 2027,” he added.

He stressed, “Tales like this did not stop President Trump in America; they won’t stop us here either, by the grace of God.”