The Peoples Democratic Party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South has sparked controversy among party stakeholders. Some leaders and supporters of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a northern aspirant, have warned that this move could harm the party’s chances in the upcoming election. Olawepo-Hashim has vowed to challenge the decision at the party’s National Convention, arguing that zoning the ticket is unlawful and undemocratic.

According to Mr. Ola Azeez, a PDP chieftain and State Coordinator of the Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Solidarity Movement, the party is heading towards self-defeat with the zoning arrangement. Azeez stated that suppressing the ambitions of other aspirants could breed misgivings and disrupt the party’s unity. He emphasized that zoning is not included in the PDP constitution and should not be allowed to ruin the party’s chances.

Azeez pointed out that the South has held the presidency for over 14 years during the PDP’s 16-year rule, while the North has only had it for two years. He argued that shutting out the North by zoning the ticket to the South would be unfair and dangerous for the party. Instead, he suggested that the ticket should be open to all aspirants, allowing party members and delegates to decide who they want as their candidate.

Azeez described Olawepo-Hashim as a bridge between the South and North, given his roots in Kwara State in the North-Central region and his mother’s origins in Oyo State in the South West. He believes Olawepo-Hashim is the best option for the PDP in 2027, citing his youth, intelligence, and expertise in petroleum engineering, economics, and politics.

The support group has called on the PDP national leadership to revisit the zoning arrangement before the party convention, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and democracy. Mrs. Toyin Owolabi, the State Woman Leader of the support group, urged the national leadership to consider the implications of shutting out aspirants from the presidential primary. The controversy surrounding the zoning decision highlights the challenges the PDP faces in its bid to return to power in 2027.