Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the PDP. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Olawepo-Hashim strongly opposed the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket, advocating instead for competence and national unity over regional rotation.
Olawepo-Hashim argued that zoning the presidency to a particular region is unconstitutional and discriminatory.
“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not support zoning elected offices based on region. It is a discriminatory practice,” he said.
He recalled that in 1999, despite the political climate favoring a Southwest candidate following the June 12 annulment, other aspirants from across the country still contested freely.
Rejecting the idea of “turn-by-turn” politics, Olawepo-Hashim insisted that Nigeria’s priority should be electing a competent president capable of addressing the economy and national security.
“Nigerians are not interested in where the president comes from. They want someone who can deliver on security, the economy, power supply, and more,” he stated.
He cited the 2023 elections as proof that ethnic or regional origins no longer guarantee electoral success. President Tinubu, he noted, secured most of his support from the North, despite being from the South.
While the PDP has hinted at zoning the 2027 ticket to the South, Olawepo-Hashim emphasized that no formal decision has been made to exclude candidates from other regions.
“There is no record of the PDP formally barring candidates from certain zones. Any such move would be a violation of fundamental rights, and the courts would have jurisdiction,” he warned.
However, he expressed reluctance to pursue legal action, stressing the need to let democratic processes within the party play out.
When asked about the federal character principle, he clarified the distinction:
“Federal character applies to appointments and inclusivity across government positions, not elective offices like the presidency. Zoning shuts the door on eligible Nigerians.”
He argued that zoning marginalizes regions like the North-Central, which have never produced a president or vice president.
Reflecting on the PDP’s history, Olawepo-Hashim cited the party’s decision to give former President Goodluck Jonathan an exclusive ticket in 2015—a move he believes contributed to the party’s electoral defeat.
“Exclusion and zoning don’t guarantee success. President Jonathan was handed the ticket and lost. In contrast, President Obasanjo emerged through open competition in 1999,” he noted.
He maintained that the PDP still has mechanisms to reverse any wrong decisions, stating that the National Convention not the National Executive Committee (NEC) is the party’s highest decision-making body.
Olawepo-Hashim distanced himself from all major factions within the PDP, including those led by Governor Nyesom Wike and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“I belong to no camp. I stand for justice, equity, and ideological politics—not personality-driven politics,” he said.
He lamented the lack of ideological distinction between Nigeria’s major parties and called for a future where policy and principles drive political engagement.
The veteran politician, once expelled from the PDP in 2006 before returning, emphasized that his political movements have always been based on principle, not personal gain.
“When I left the APC for the PDP, it wasn’t to benefit from a ruling party it was a move based on conviction,” he affirmed.
When asked about his chances of becoming president, Olawepo-Hashim was philosophical:
“That is in the hands of God. Buhari contested multiple times before winning. So did President Ichilema of Zambia. Even Abraham Lincoln failed several times before becoming president,” he said.
He insisted that he is not campaigning on regional sentiment but on the basis of national competence and vision.
In closing, Olawepo-Hashim reiterated his position that zoning is a distraction from the real issues that matter to Nigerians.
“People don’t care where the president comes from; they care about electricity, security, and jobs. Let the best candidate emerge, regardless of origin,” he concluded.
