The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South has sparked fresh resistance, with northern aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim declaring he will challenge the move at the party’s national convention.
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Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Olawepo-Hashim insisted that the convention, not the National Executive Committee (NEC), has the final say on zoning. He recalled a precedent in 2000 when the NEC’s decision to extend the tenure of the Barnabas Gemade-led leadership was overturned by delegates at the convention.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
The PDP convention is set for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Olawepo-Hashim described the zoning of the presidential ticket as “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” arguing that it excludes qualified aspirants and weakens the party. He cited past contests where aspirants from different regions competed openly, including Olusegun Obasanjo’s clashes with Alex Ekwueme and Abubakar Rimi in 1999 and 2003, as well as Bola Tinubu’s victory in a crowded APC primary.
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“The president is for all Nigerians, not just the North or South. Anyone afraid of an open contest is unfit to lead the country,” he said, stressing that the legality of the NEC’s decision will be tested at the convention.
Olawepo-Hashim also pointed out that the North Central has never produced a president or vice president, arguing that the region deserves a fair chance.
His stance has received strong backing from PDP leaders in the Federal Capital Territory. At a meeting attended by over 170 stakeholders — including council chairmen, ward leaders, and party executives — members rejected the NEC’s zoning decision and pledged full support for Olawepo-Hashim.
Soko Dobo, a prominent PDP chieftain, said mobilisation was already underway to secure delegate votes nationwide. A motion endorsing Olawepo-Hashim’s candidacy was moved by Ismail Dogara and seconded by Bwari Area Council chairman John Gabaya, after which youths and women chorused solidarity songs declaring loyalty to his ambition.
Olawepo-Hashim maintained he would not back down, insisting no political party has the right to shut the door on any Nigerian’s aspiration.
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