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