By: Pentho Goldmark The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved to clear the air on its zoning policy ahead of the 2027 presidential elect...
By: Pentho Goldmark
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved to clear the air on its zoning policy ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that while zoning remains a key principle for fairness, it will not bar anyone from any part of the country from contesting the party’s ticket.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, stressed that the Nigerian Constitution supersedes any internal party arrangement and guarantees every citizen the right to aspire to any elective office.
“Even if we zone our presidential candidate to the South, it will not stop anybody from any part of the country from showing interest. We cannot do things that will contradict the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm,” Ajibade explained.
The clarification echoes the stance of technocrat and politician, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who has consistently maintained that zoning should not be used as a tool of exclusion. His movement has long argued that competence and inclusivity must come first in the leadership selection process.
Reacting to the development, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, South West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, hailed the PDP’s position as “a major victory for democracy and a vindication of Dr. Hashim’s ideological politics.” He noted that the party had chosen fairness and inclusivity, signaling a broader democratic opening.
Olawepo-Hashim, a businessman-turned-politician, has gained nationwide recognition for his issue-based politics and persistent efforts to bridge the country’s North-South divide. His growing influence, particularly in Osun State, has sparked speculations about his potential interest in the 2027 presidential race.
The PDP’s clarification comes as the party prepares for its Ibadan convention and navigates internal crises in some state chapters, including Lagos, where tensions recently flared over leadership disputes.
With zoning no longer seen as a barrier, the 2027 race within the PDP is expected to draw aspirants from across the six geopolitical zones, setting the stage for a potentially heated and competitive contest.
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