Gbenga Hashim Rejects Zoning of Presidency, Faults Prof. Jerry Gana’s Claim

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has criticized Professor Jerry Gana over recent remarks suggesting that Northern state chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had agreed to zone the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

In a strongly worded statement issued by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), the group described Gana’s claim as misleading and without constitutional basis. The statement maintained that no formal consensus has been reached by any constitutionally recognized organ of the PDP to zone the presidency.

Hamzat argued that the right to contest for any political office is guaranteed to all Nigerians under the 1999 Constitution, regardless of region, and that any attempt to restrict candidacy on the basis of geography would violate Section 42(1) of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on origin, political opinion, or association.

“No group or individual has the authority to arbitrarily determine zoning in the PDP outside the provisions of the party constitution,” Hamzat stated. “The idea that such a fundamental decision can be reached without due process or broad-based consultation is both undemocratic and unconstitutional.”

He also recalled the PDP’s historical precedent during the 1999 and 2003 presidential primaries, where aspirants from both northern and southern regions contested openly, reinforcing the party’s reputation for internal democracy.

Hamzat called on party leaders and stakeholders to focus on preserving party unity and upholding the rule of law, especially as the PDP prepares for its upcoming national convention scheduled to take place in Oyo State later this year.

“The strength of the PDP has always been its inclusive character and respect for internal democracy,” he added. “The current leadership of the party must be supported to organize a transparent and credible process that welcomes all qualified Nigerians, regardless of their region.”

The zoning debate is expected to remain a contentious issue in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, as political camps within the PDP continue to jostle for influence in determining the party’s flagbearer.