The ongoing controversy within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket to the South has intensified, as prominent northern aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has declared his intention to challenge the decision at the party’s upcoming national convention.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Olawepo-Hashim described the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) zoning directive as undemocratic and insisted that only the national convention has the constitutional authority to determine such matters.
“This zoning decision will not stand,” he said.
“In 2000, as deputy national publicity secretary, I led a petition to the convention challenging NEC’s extension of the NWC’s tenure and the convention overturned it. That precedent stands.”
The PDP’s national convention is scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, from November 15 to 16.
Olawepo-Hashim argued that limiting the party’s presidential ticket to a specific region undermines internal democracy and shuts out capable aspirants.
“Zoning is neither democratic nor constitutional. In 1999 and 2003, Obasanjo contested against Ekwueme and Rimi. More recently, President Bola Tinubu won the APC ticket after defeating 14 other aspirants. Why should PDP exclude others from contesting?” he asked.
He further stated that any candidate unwilling to face an open contest is unfit to lead Nigeria, especially given the country’s pressing economic and security challenges.
“Nigeria is bleeding. We don’t need sectional politics. The president must serve all Nigerians, not just the North or South. Let the best candidate emerge through a transparent contest.”
Hashim also pointed out the historical marginalisation of the North Central region, noting that it has never produced a President or Vice President.
“It would be unfair to deny us the chance now. I have no intention of backing down. No political party should block any Nigerian’s right to aspire,” he said.
Meanwhile, key PDP figures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have thrown their support behind Olawepo-Hashim’s 2027 ambition.
At a meeting attended by over 170 stakeholders, including council chairmen, ward leaders, former candidates, and party executives, the NEC’s zoning decision was firmly rejected.
Soko Dobo, a PDP chieftain in the FCT, stated, “The North Central region stands firmly behind Olawepo-Hashim. We’re mobilising nationwide to secure delegate support. Even the National Chairman said zoning doesn’t bar others from contesting.”
In a show of unity, a motion supporting Hashim’s candidacy was moved by Ismail Dogara and seconded by John Gabaya, Executive Chairman of Bwari Area Council.
The gathering ended with chants of solidarity from youths and women:
“Where you go, we go.”
