The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has faulted the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing it as a constitutional and strategic blunder.
The GHSM declared that it will continue to advocate for Dr. Gbenga Hashim’s presidential candidacy in 2027 despite what it described as the strategic and constitutional error committed by the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC).
The group warned that such action may not only jeopardize the party’s chances in 2027, but could also expose its candidate to possible disqualification by the courts.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the movement argued that the PDP NEC, despite acting on a resolution that may enjoy majority support, lacks the legal authority to restrict elective offices to any region, as this violates both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) and the PDP’s own constitution.
The group cited Section 42(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which forbids any form of discrimination against citizens on grounds of ethnic group, place of origin, religion, sex, or political opinion, adding that shutting out aspirants based on “zoning” runs contrary to this provision.
He further referenced Section 7(2)(c) of the PDP Constitution, which affirms that the party shall “conform to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” stressing that zoning elective offices amounts to a direct violation.
The movement reminded Nigerians that in 1999, despite the overwhelming sentiment of the June 12 annulment, the PDP did not zone its presidential ticket. Instead, aspirants from across the country contested freely, including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (South West), Dr. Alex Ekwueme (South East), Chief Jim Nwobodo (South East),Alhaji Abubakar Rimi (North West) and Dr Francis Ellah (South South).
“In that election, every aspirant exercised their democratic rights, and Nigerians expressed their sentiments through legitimate votes, not through exclusion,” Hamzat recalled.
Similarly, in 2003, despite being the sitting president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was not handed an automatic ticket. He contested alongside other heavyweights such as Chief Barnabas Gemade (North Central) and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi (North West), while aspirants from other regions were also cleared to participate.
The group further recalled that the PDP’s loss of power in 2015 was largely a consequence of the party’s deviation from this tradition. By granting President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket and shutting out northern aspirants, the party provoked a major rebellion that saw five northern governors and several key stakeholders walk out of the convention in protest.
“History has shown us that whenever the PDP abandons its democratic tradition of open contests, it pays a heavy price,” Hamzat stated. “The zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket is, therefore, not just an error but a dangerous miscalculation.”
Hamzat maintained that no political party in the history of Nigeria has ever zoned its presidential ticket to a particular region, stressing that the PDP NEC’s action sets a negative precedent that could deepen regional divisions and make national unity more elusive.
The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for a level playing field within the PDP and vowed to sustain its support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in the 2027 presidential race.
“We believe Dr. Gbenga Hashim represents the true spirit of unity, inclusivity, and visionary leadership that Nigeria desperately needs. No amount of unconstitutional zoning will deter our movement. We will continue to push for the reversal of this error before the November convention,” the statement concluded.
