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.”

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what it described as the transparent and credible conduct of the Anambra South Senatorial by-election held on August 16.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, APGA’s National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, praised the electoral umpire for demonstrating professionalism and commitment to democratic principles.

“The peaceful and successful conduct of the by-election once again positions INEC as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s democracy,” Ezeokenwa said.

“It reflects the Commission’s determination to uphold the will of the people through free and fair elections.”

While commending the process overall, the party leader acknowledged that there were pockets of disturbances, including reports of violence, attempted abductions of election officials, voter intimidation, and bribery.

Despite these challenges, Ezeokenwa applauded the people of Anambra for their large voter turnout and orderly conduct and praised INEC for the prompt distribution of materials in accordance with its guidelines.

He also took a swipe at opposition elements, accusing them of hypocrisy.

“Those crying foul now are the same ones whose hands are stained with acts of electoral banditry,” he said.

“Anambra people will not tolerate blackmail or attempts to derail the transformation taking place in the state.”

Ezeokenwa emphasized that APGA remains focused on delivering good governance under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and warned that the party would not condone attempts to undermine the people’s mandate.

The APGA chairman expressed gratitude to INEC, security agencies and accredited observers for their roles in ensuring the integrity of the election, but insisted that serious electoral infractions must not be ignored.

“Hostage-taking, threats and bribery are not just minor issues, they are direct attacks on democracy. We call on INEC and security authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible without delay,” he said.

The Njiko Igbo Forum (NIF), an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has launched a mobilisation campaign to rally support for Peter Obi in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in Enugu, the forum’s National President, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, said the drive stems from their belief that Obi is “the most credible Igbo” candidate deserving of national trust. While Obi has not officially declared which party he intends to contest under, Obioha emphasised the need to reassure Nigerians that “he will be on the ballot in 2027.”

The campaign will roll out in the Southwest in the coming days and will run through to the 2027 elections.

Obioha reiterated NIF’s long-standing position that presidential power should rotate to the Southeast, arguing it would be unjust for that region to miss its turn after the Southwest has occupied the “turn of the South.”

“In 2023, we rallied behind Obi and regarded him as the most credible candidate. Though Nigeria voted, we believe the result didn’t reflect the will of the people. With zoning, 2027 belongs to the Southeast, a call for fairness,” he said.

He also urged Igbos, especially below 18 years old, to register as voters, affirming that voters have become more vigilant since 2023 and will resist any attempt to manipulate results.

As Anambra State celebrates its 34th anniversary, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for sustaining and accelerating development across the state.

In a goodwill message delivered through his media aide, Mr. Emma Madu, Udeze paid tribute to Anambra’s founding fathers and past leaders for their contributions to the state’s progress, while describing Soludo as “exceptional” in delivering results within a short period.

“Previous administrations laid important foundations, but Governor Soludo has raised the bar with transformational achievements in just three years,” the Speaker noted.

He pointed to the state’s improved ranking in economic and industrial performance as proof of the governor’s impact, citing progress in road construction, healthcare, education, employment, security, agriculture, and urban renewal.

Udeze also praised the governor for delivering a long-awaited, modern Government House and Lodge, a project that had been stalled since Anambra’s creation in 1991.

According to him, strong collaboration between the executive and the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly has been instrumental in advancing people-centered policies and legislative reforms.

He urged affluent indigenes and business leaders to embrace Soludo’s “Think Home” agenda by investing in the state’s industrial growth and supporting security initiatives.

The Speaker also called on residents to pray for continued peace and prosperity, pledging full legislative support for Soludo’s re-election bid in the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

High Chief Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, Chairman of the APC National Reconciliation Committee in Anambra State, has called on youths within the party to lead the charge in ending the 19-year rule of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state.

Onunkwo made the call on Monday during the inauguration of the newly elected executive members of the APC Youth League at the party’s state secretariat in Awka, where he was also honoured as Grand Patron of the group.

Represented by his media aide, Comrade Emmanuel Ifediata, Onunkwo described the unification of Anambra’s youth under the APC Youth League as a strategic move toward establishing a youth-driven administration in the state.

“Our youths are ready, determined, and coordinated. This is the beginning of a new era. The goal is clear, to reclaim Anambra through unity and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.

He urged the youth leaders to take their campaign beyond urban centres, reaching deep into villages, towns, and political wards to build broad-based support ahead of the 2025 governorship election.

Onunkwo, who has long been regarded as a major supporter of youth empowerment in the state, also provided logistical support and grassroots mobilisation funds to the Youth League as part of his contribution to the APC’s electoral success.

According to Ifediata, Onunkwo expressed strong confidence in the leadership of the new APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, adding that the party was well-positioned to win the 2025 governorship poll and build momentum for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

He also offered condolences to the National Chairman over the recent passing of his mother, praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.