No Exclusion: PDP clears air on zoning ahead of 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained that its zoning policy will not stop anyone from any part of the country from contesting for the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.

The party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, said on Arise Television’s Morning Show that while zoning is important for fairness and balance, it cannot override the Nigerian Constitution, which gives every citizen the right to contest for political office.

“Even if we decide to zone our presidential candidate to the South, it does not stop anyone from any other region from joining the race. We cannot go against the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the highest law,” Ajibade said.

The clarification supports the position of technocrat and politician Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who has long argued that zoning should not be used to block capable leaders from contesting.

Reacting to the PDP’s statement, the South West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, called it “a big win for democracy and proof that Dr. Hashim’s political ideas are right.” He praised the party for choosing fairness and inclusivity.

Olawepo-Hashim, a businessman-turned-politician, is known for his focus on issue-based politics and his efforts to bridge the gap between Northern and Southern Nigeria. His growing influence, especially in Osun State, has fueled speculation about a possible 2027 presidential run.