ABUJA — Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 2027 presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has delivered a scathing assessment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic legacy, describing the current administration as a collection of “treasury parasites” who lack the business background required to rescue Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the businessman and former presidential candidate argued that the President’s highly touted “track record” in Lagos State fades in comparison to the developmental achievements of former military president Ibrahim Babangida (IBB).
Olawepo-Hashim questioned the substance of Tinubu’s infrastructure legacy in Lagos, contrasting it with landmark projects built during the military era.
“We keep saying Tinubu has a track record, but IBB built the Third Mainland Bridge, while Tinubu built a less than one-kilometre road and put a toll on it,” he stated. “Can you imagine Lagos without the Third Mainland Bridge? IBB contributed more to Lagos’ development because he built that landmark infrastructure. If you remove it today, what is left?”.
The PDP chieftain warned that Nigeria’s economy is being run by individuals who have spent their entire careers within government coffers rather than creating wealth in the private sector.
“We need people who have business backgrounds to run the economy, not parasites who have lived their lives in the treasury,” Olawepo-Hashim remarked. “All they know how to do is plan for the next election, but they don’t know how to plan for jobs or how to build an economy”.
Citing current economic data, Olawepo-Hashim noted a “shocking regression” in the nation’s wealth under the APC-led administration:
The presidential hopeful also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable alternative, labeling many of its members as “Buharists” who were part of the initial problem. He further condemned the PDP’s recent decision to zone its 2027 ticket to the South, calling it a “default campaign” for Tinubu’s re-election led by “infiltrators” within the opposition.
As of late Thursday, the Presidency has not responded to the “treasury parasites” remark, though supporters of the administration continue to point to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as evidence of the President’s commitment to landmark infrastructure.
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Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the businessman and former presidential candidate argued that the President’s highly touted “track record” in Lagos State fades in comparison to the developmental achievements of former military president Ibrahim Babangida (IBB).
Olawepo-Hashim questioned the substance of Tinubu’s infrastructure legacy in Lagos, contrasting it with landmark projects built during the military era.
“We keep saying Tinubu has a track record, but IBB built the Third Mainland Bridge, while Tinubu built a less than one-kilometre road and put a toll on it,” he stated. “Can you imagine Lagos without the Third Mainland Bridge? IBB contributed more to Lagos’ development because he built that landmark infrastructure. If you remove it today, what is left?”.
The PDP chieftain warned that Nigeria’s economy is being run by individuals who have spent their entire careers within government coffers rather than creating wealth in the private sector.
“We need people who have business backgrounds to run the economy, not parasites who have lived their lives in the treasury,” Olawepo-Hashim remarked. “All they know how to do is plan for the next election, but they don’t know how to plan for jobs or how to build an economy”.
Citing current economic data, Olawepo-Hashim noted a “shocking regression” in the nation’s wealth under the APC-led administration:
The presidential hopeful also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable alternative, labeling many of its members as “Buharists” who were part of the initial problem. He further condemned the PDP’s recent decision to zone its 2027 ticket to the South, calling it a “default campaign” for Tinubu’s re-election led by “infiltrators” within the opposition.
As of late Thursday, the Presidency has not responded to the “treasury parasites” remark, though supporters of the administration continue to point to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as evidence of the President’s commitment to landmark infrastructure.
Hey there! Exciting news - we've deactivated our website's comment provider to focus on more interactive channels! Join the conversation on our stories through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media pages, and let's chat, share, and connect in the best way possible!