The controversy over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South shows no sign of abating, as northern aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, vowed on Wednesday to challenge the move at the party’s national convention.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Hashim emphasised that the national convention holds the ultimate authority on zoning, citing previous instances where National Executive Committee decisions were overturned by delegates.
The convention is scheduled to be held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15-16.
Meanwhile, PDP leaders in the Federal Capital Territory pledged their full support for Hashim’s bid to contest the 2027 presidential ticket.
Hashim said, “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 was then the deputy national publicity secretary. I led the G54 members of the NEC and tabled a petition to the national convention. The convention overruled the NEC’s decision.
“Zoning the party’s presidential ticket to either to the North or the South is undemocratic. It shuts some people out and serves the party no good.
“In 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo contested against Alex Ekwueme and Abubakar Rimi. In 2003, Obasanjo again contested against Ekwueme and Rimi. Most recently, President Bola Tinubu in the APC contested against 14 other aspirants and won.
“Why should the PDP limit its presidential ticket to the South, shutting others out? That is neither democratic nor constitutional.”
He stressed that anyone who fears an open contest is unfit to lead the country.
“The last word has not been said on this unconstitutional zoning by the 102-member NEC.
“Its legality will be tested at the national convention. As was the case in 2000, the convention overruled the NEC, and it will do so again since it is an elective convention where issues are voted on.
“Let there be an open contest based on competence, who can manage Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
“Nigeria is bleeding; there is no need to chant primordial sentiments or sectional interests. Anyone afraid of an open contest is not fit to be President of Nigeria.
“The president is for all Nigerians, not just the North or South. We are calling for the best for Nigeria,” he said.
Hashim added, “I have no intention of backing down. No party can close its doors to any Nigerian’s aspiration. The North Central has never produced a President or Vice President, and it would be unfair to deny us the chance now.”
FCT PDP members also publicly pledged their support for Hashim’s ambition.
At a meeting attended by about 170 key stakeholders, including area council and ward chairmen, council chairmanship flag bearers, councillorship candidates, executive chairmen, secretaries of area councils, and other party leaders, the NEC’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South was firmly rejected.
FCT chieftain, Soko Dobo, stated, “The North Central region stands firmly behind Olawepo-Hashim, and mobilisation efforts are underway to secure delegate support for him nationwide.
“The National Chairman himself said zoning does not prevent others from contesting. We in the North Central are fully behind Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.”
In a motion moved by PDP leader, Ismail Dogara, and seconded by the Executive Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, party youths and women sang and pledged: “Where you go, we go.”
