By IDNN Politics Desk
Convention, Not NEC, Holds the Power
ABUJA — Northern presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has vowed to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing the move as “undemocratic” and insisting that the party’s national convention has the final word.
“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,” Hashim told journalists in Abuja.
Historical Precedents in PDP Politics
Citing precedent, Hashim recalled leading the “G54” in 2000 when he successfully petitioned the convention to overturn an NEC decision to extend the tenure of the National Working Committee. He argued that zoning has never prevented aspirants from contesting.
“In 1999, Obasanjo contested against Alex Ekwueme and Abubakar Rimi. In 2003, he again contested against Ekwueme and Rimi. More recently, Bola Tinubu in APC contested against 14 aspirants and won. Why should PDP shut people out?” he asked.
Call for Open Contest
Hashim warned that shutting out qualified aspirants based on geography was both unconstitutional and a disservice to Nigerians.
“Nigeria is bleeding; there is no need to chant primordial sentiments. Anyone afraid of an open contest is not fit to be President of Nigeria. The presidency is for all Nigerians, not just one region,” he said.
He stressed that the North-Central zone, which has never produced a president or vice president, must not be denied the chance.
FCT PDP Leaders Declare Support
At a meeting in Abuja attended by over 170 key stakeholders—including ward chairmen, councillorship candidates, and area council leaders—PDP members openly rejected the NEC’s zoning directive and endorsed Olawepo-Hashim.
FCT party leader Soko Dobo declared: “The North Central region stands firmly behind Olawepo-Hashim, and mobilisation efforts are underway to secure delegate support nationwide.”
The endorsement was sealed by a motion moved by PDP leader Ismail Dogara and seconded by John Gabaya, executive chairman of Bwari Area Council, amid chants of “Where you go, we go.”
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