2027: Group faults PDP zoning, backs Gbenga Hashim

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) in Oyo State has faulted the decision by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

GHSM described the decision as “unconstitutional and unacceptable”, stressing that it was a ploy to sideline credible aspirants from the North, especially Dr Gbenga Olawepo Hashim.

Oyo state coordinator of the movement, Honourable Victor Kadri, while speaking through the state PRO, Honourable Babatunde Adenle, on Wednesday, emphasised the need to go against the zoning.

The coordinator described the zoning decision as “a constitutional violation designed to impose a weak candidate on the PDP.”

He argued that the plan was a deliberate attempt to sideline aspirants from the North, particularly Dr. Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, who, he stressed, has built formidable political structures across the country and enjoys wide grassroots support.

Kadri said, “Dr. Hashim is a respected figure known for his education, experience, and integrity, qualities that make him stand out as a credible contender who cannot be compromised.”

According to him, such a candidate should not be excluded from the 2027 race.

The GHSM further noted that the PDP NEC lacks the constitutional powers to enforce zoning.

Kadri reminded party members that while the PDP constitution does not grant such authority, the Nigerian Constitution also prohibits discrimination on grounds of ethnicity, religion, gender, or political opinion.

He warned that the NEC’s action was both unconstitutional and dangerous to the party’s unity and long-term survival, stressing that it could deepen divisions within the PDP at a critical moment.

Recalling historical precedent, Kadri pointed out that in 1999, after the annulment of the June 12 election and the death of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the PDP allowed aspirants from across the country to contest freely. That openness, he said, gave the party credibility and strengthened public trust.

“Zoning is, at best, a matter of moral persuasion; it is not legally binding on any party or aspirant,” he insisted.

The group further cautioned that excluding aspirants like Hashim could spell doom for the PDP in 2027 and warned that the zoning policy might even leave the party without a valid candidate if challenged in court.

Calling for an urgent reversal of the decision, the group reaffirmed its loyalty to Dr. Hashim’s presidential ambition and urged members to remain calm, focused, and steadfast in their support ahead of the 2027 election.

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