The controversy surrounding the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South has deepened, as northern aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim vowed on Wednesday to challenge the move at the party’s national convention.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim stressed that the ultimate authority on zoning rested with the party’s national convention, not the National Executive Committee.

Naijaonpoint understands that the PDP national convention is scheduled to be held in Ibadan, Oyo State, from November 15 to 16.

The former presidential aspirant cited past instances where NEC decisions were overturned by delegates at the convention.

He stated, “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.”

He insisted that restricting the ticket to the South was undemocratic.

Olawepo-Hashim further stated, “Zoning the party’s presidential ticket to either the North or the South is undemocratic. It shuts some people out and serves the party no good. Why should the PDP limit its presidential ticket to the South, shutting others out? That is neither democratic nor constitutional.”

Olawepo-Hashim further noted that history showed that internal party contests had always allowed multiple aspirants, citing past PDP and APC primaries.

He said, “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.

“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.”

The PDP chieftain also argued that the North Central zone deserved a fair chance at the presidency, noting that the region had never produced a President or Vice President.

“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,” he declared.

FCT PDP Leaders Back Olawepo-Hashim

Meanwhile, party leaders in the Federal Capital Territory have pledged full support for Olawepo-Hashim’s ambition.

At a meeting attended by about 170 stakeholders, including area council and ward chairmen, councillorship candidates, council chairmanship flag bearers, and other leaders, the NEC’s zoning decision was rejected outright.

FCT PDP leader, Soko Dobo, said, “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 chorused their loyalty to him, chanting, “Where you go, we go.”