Despite Zoning, Our Presidential Ticket Open To All – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally aligned with the long-held position of technocrat and politician, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, by declaring that its zoning arrangement will not prevent aspirants from other regions from contesting the presidential ticket in 2027.

PDP’s national legal adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, made the clarification on Arise Television’s Morning Show, stressing that while zoning remains an important tool for equity, it cannot override the Nigerian Constitution which guarantees all citizens the right to seek elective office.

“Even if we zone our presidential candidate to the South, it will not stop anybody from any part of the country from showing interest. We cannot do things that will contradict the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm,” Ajibade explained.

The clarification mirrors the exact argument consistently advanced by the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, which had insisted that zoning must not be weaponized to exclude competent leaders, particularly from the North. According to the group, internal party arrangements must never supersede constitutional provisions.

Reacting to PDP’s pronouncement, the South West Coordinator of the movement, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, described the development as “a major victory for democracy and a vindication of Dr. Hashim’s ideological politics,” adding that the party had chosen the path of fairness and inclusivity.

Dr. Olawepo-Hashim, a global businessman turned politician, has been widely recognized for his issue-based politics and efforts at bridging Nigeria’s North-South divide. His rising popularity, especially in Osun State where he is seen as more influential than President Bola Tinubu, has fueled growing speculation about his presidential ambition ahead of 2027.

With the PDP now aligning with his long-argued position, political observers believe Hashim is better positioned than ever to enter the race as a unifying figure capable of rallying Nigerians around a vision of competence, equity, and national renewal.