The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing renewed internal tensions following its decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move some leaders and supporters argue could undermine the party’s national appeal.
Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a northern aspirant, has openly rejected the arrangement, pledging to challenge it during the party’s convention. He insists that zoning either to the North or South is undemocratic and risks weakening the PDP’s electoral chances.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Mr Ola Azeez, a PDP chieftain and Vice Chairman of Ojo Local Government, said the zoning decision was counterproductive. “We must not repeat past mistakes. The ticket should be open to all aspirants. Restricting it will fuel resentment and risk another exodus from the party,” he said.
Azeez highlighted that the North, which traditionally contributes the majority of PDP’s votes, had held the presidency for only two years during the party’s 16 years in power, compared to 14 years for the South. “To shut out the North is to shut out 19 states of the federation. That is unfair and politically dangerous,” he said.
He further argued that Olawepo-Hashim was uniquely positioned to unify both regions, with family roots in Kwara State in the North-Central and Oyo State in the South-West. He described him as “the most qualified candidate the PDP can present,” citing his background in petroleum engineering and economics as critical for reviving Nigeria’s struggling economy.
Echoing these concerns, Mrs Toyin Owolabi, the group’s State Woman Leader, appealed to the PDP national leadership to reconsider. “This zoning policy is non-inclusive and harmful to the party’s unity. The leadership must weigh its implications carefully before the convention,” she urged.
