“This Zoning Decision Will Not Stand,” Says PDP Aspirant Olawepo-Hashim, Reveals Next Step

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has rejected the party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, insisting that the final authority lies with the national convention, not the National Executive Committee (NEC). He revealed that he is prepared to petition the convention to overturn the NEC’s decision, citing past instances where similar interventions succeeded.

“This zoning decision will not stand. In 2000, the NEC extended the tenure of the National Working Committee led by Engr. Barnabas Gemade from two to four years. I led the G54 members of the NEC to petition the national convention, and the NEC’s decision was overturned,” Olawepo-Hashim said.

He described the zoning formula as undemocratic and unconstitutional, arguing that it limits the party’s options in a critical election year. “Why should the PDP zone its presidential ticket to the South and shut people out? In 1999 and 2003, presidential contests were open and competitive. More recently, President Bola Tinubu of the APC contested against 14 aspirants and won. That is democracy. What PDP is doing is not,” he said.

Olawepo-Hashim warned that the legality of the zoning decision will be tested at the convention, which he called the highest organ of the party. “As was the case in 2000, the convention overruled the NEC. The same will happen this time, since it is an elective convention where issues will be voted on,” he added.

He stressed that the party should prioritise competence and solutions to Nigeria’s economic and security challenges over sectional interests. “Let there be an open contest based on competence. Nigeria is bleeding. Anyone afraid of an open contest is not fit to be President of Nigeria. We are talking about a President for Nigeria, not just for the North or South,” Olawepo-Hashim said, affirming his determination to remain in the race.

In a boost to his campaign, PDP members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have endorsed Olawepo-Hashim, rejecting the NEC’s zoning directive. At a meeting attended by key stakeholders, including party chairmen, council flagbearers, councillorship candidates, and secretaries of area councils, the aspirant was formally adopted as the political leader of the FCT.

The motion, moved by FCT state chairman Hon. Ismail Dogara and seconded by the Executive Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya, was carried unanimously amid chants of “Where you go, we go.” Party leaders said Olawepo-Hashim has the backing of the North Central and called on delegates nationwide to rally behind him.

National Vice Chairman (North Central Zone), Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara, praised Olawepo-Hashim for his support for the zone, saying it will galvanise the PDP for greater victories. Party chieftain Hon. Soko Dobo commended him for understanding the FCT’s unique challenges and denounced the political marginalisation of its residents.

Olawepo-Hashim called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2026 Area Council elections and the 2027 presidential race.