The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing internal discord as influential groups within Lagos and Osun States have publicly rejected the party’s zoning arrangement. Instead, they are backing Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a prominent business leader, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 general elections.
This pushback against zoning is causing concern among party loyalists, who fear it could lead to significant realignments within the PDP ahead of the crucial polls. In Osogbo, stakeholders gathered under the platform of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), led by its South West Coordinator, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi. Olaniyi stated that Nigeria’s future should no longer be tied to sectional politics, emphasizing the need for competence, capacity, and a unifier.
Similarly, in Lagos, a coalition of local government and senatorial leaders, coordinated by Hon. Ola Azeez, denounced the zoning formula. Azeez argued that the nation must rise above sectional divides and embrace competence and capability, as embodied in Olawepo-Hashim’s vision. These simultaneous rallies in both states reflect a broader pushback against the PDP leadership.
Recently, party figures in Oyo and Ondo states also warned against zoning, arguing it could deepen rifts rather than unite the opposition. The agitation is not limited to the South-West, as the PDP chapter in the Federal Capital Territory has already endorsed Olawepo-Hashim. Additionally, party stakeholders in Plateau and Kano have staged protests and voiced strong resistance to the zoning template.
The rejection of zoning by these PDP groups suggests a growing desire for a more inclusive and competency-based approach to candidate selection. As the 2027 general elections approach, the PDP faces the challenge of managing its internal divisions and presenting a united front. The party’s ability to navigate these issues will be crucial in determining its success in the upcoming polls. With the zoning arrangement facing opposition from various quarters, the PDP’s leadership will need to carefully consider the concerns of its members and stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and effective campaign.
