Support groups across the country backing the presidential ambition of Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim for 2027 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, intensified their agitations, declaring that resurrecting zoning in the current political context is “simply retrogressive.”
 
The groups unanimously called on PDP leaders and other critical stakeholders to jettison zoning, describing it as unpopular among members and detrimental to party unity. They maintained that the PDP could only remain strong and formidable enough to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if it prioritises inclusivity, fairness and merit over sectional arrangements.
 
This comes on the heels of Dr Olawepo-Hashim’s latest declaration rejecting PDP’s zoning policy and reaffirming his presidential ambition ahead of 2027.
 
“Zoning is unlawful; I’ll contest for the presidency,” he stated.
 
In a statement from his office, Hashim dismissed the recent decision of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) as “illegal, unpopular and driven by selfish interests.”
 
“That purported NEC decision was organised by a few people for selfish reasons. It is illegal and unpopular, as you can see from the deluge of protests from party members across the country,” he said.
 
In Jos, on Wednesday, supporters of Hashim stormed the PDP Secretariat, demanding an open contest without exclusion.

The North Central Renaissance Movement, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, condemned the NEC decision as unjust to the North and, in particular, the North Central zone, which has never produced either a President or Vice President since Nigeria’s return to democracy.
 
In Kano, the coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard, Hon. Aminu Bala Wudilawa, told Freedom Radio that political trends in the North favour competence and capacity over sectional arrangements. He alleged that only a few politicians eyeing the vice-presidential slot were pushing for zoning to the South.
 
Similar reactions have continued to pour in from sister groups, individuals, and organisations within and outside Nigeria, warning the PDP of looming consequences that may jeopardise its chances of reclaiming power in 2027.