PDP Chieftain Rejects Zoning, Calls for Merit in 2027
Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has opposed the party’s zoning plan for the 2027 presidential ticket, arguing that competence should take priority over regional rotation. Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Thursday, Olawepo-Hashim said zoning encourages division instead of unity, stressing that leadership ability is not tied to any part of the country. “Let’s focus on what unites us, not what divides us. Nigeria does not need zoning to produce a competent president. A capable leader can come from anywhere,” he stated. He cited historical examples, noting that former President Olusegun Obasanjo won the PDP ticket in 1999 through an open contest, unlike former President Goodluck Jonathan, who benefited from zoning but later lost re-election. According to Olawepo-Hashim, insisting on zoning could weaken the PDP against the ruling All Progressives Congress […]