A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) official has expressed concerns over the party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, citing potential divisions in the country. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, former Deputy Publicity Secretary of the PDP, argued that zoning elective offices is unconstitutional and discriminatory, as it is not permitted by the Nigerian constitution.
In an interview with Arise TV, Olawepo-Hashim emphasized that no political party in Nigeria’s history has formally barred candidates from contesting due to their region of origin. He recalled the 1999 elections, where an unwritten agreement favored a South-West candidate, but candidates from other zones were still allowed to contest. This approach, he suggested, allowed delegates to make informed decisions.
Olawepo-Hashim warned that implementing zoning as a policy could fuel tension among Nigerians, pitting one section of the country against another. He stressed that competence and leadership are more important to Nigerians than the president’s region of origin. The Nigerian electorate, he noted, is more concerned with a president’s ability to address economic and national security issues, regardless of their zone.
The former PDP official cited the last election as an example, where President Bola Tinubu, from the South, received most of his votes from the North. This, he said, demonstrates that the Nigerian electorate is not swayed by regional considerations. Olawepo-Hashim’s comments highlight the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape, where regional zoning can be a contentious issue.
As the 2027 presidential election approaches, the PDP’s decision to zone its ticket to the South is likely to be closely watched. The party’s approach may have significant implications for the country’s political dynamics, potentially influencing voter behavior and interregional relations. With Nigerians increasingly focused on issues like economic development and national security, the debate over zoning is likely to continue, sparking important discussions about the country’s future.
