In a bold and controversial statement, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized the party's decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, Olawepo-Hashim argued that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party had made a serious strategic miscalculation.
According to Olawepo-Hashim, zoning the presidency at this stage undermines the principles of democracy and meritocracy. He emphasized that the party should prioritize competence, national appeal, and electability over regional considerations if it truly aims to return to power in 2027.
The PDP recently announced that its 2027 presidential ticket will be zoned to the South, a move that has sparked mixed reactions across the political landscape. While some party members have welcomed the decision as a way to promote equity and balance, others like Olawepo-Hashim believe it limits the party’s options and could weaken its chances at the polls.
He warned that such a zoning decision could alienate capable aspirants from the North and reduce the party’s ability to present the best possible candidate. “This is not the time to be sentimental or politically correct,” he stated. “We need to be strategic and pragmatic if we truly want to defeat the APC.”
Olawepo-Hashim further pointed out that zoning decisions made without broad consultations often backfire. He urged the PDP leadership to revisit the matter and adopt a more inclusive and competitive approach that gives all regions a fair shot at producing the presidential candidate.
Political analysts have noted that his criticism reflects growing tensions within the PDP ranks, with several stakeholders expressing concerns about internal democracy, fairness, and readiness for the 2027 general election. Some fear this could spark divisions that weaken the party ahead of the next polls.
In response to his comments, some Southern PDP members defended the zoning policy, arguing it’s a necessary step toward maintaining national unity. They pointed out that the North has held power more recently, and it’s only fair that the South be given a chance in 2027.
Despite the controversy, the PDP leadership has not indicated any plans to reverse the zoning decision. However, Olawepo-Hashim’s intervention is expected to trigger further internal debates, especially as the race for the party’s ticket heats up.
As the 2027 election approaches, it remains to be seen whether the PDP will stay the course with its zoning formula or make adjustments to calm internal dissent. One thing is clear—Olawepo-Hashim’s remarks have reignited an important conversation about the future direction of the party.
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