The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that its 2027 presidential ticket will be open to all aspirants across Nigeria while the principle of zoning to the South remains in place.
The decision has been hailed as a vindication of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim’s long-standing position.
The politician and technocrat has consistently argued that zoning is undemocratic and unfair.
He believes competence and capacity must take priority over rotation.
Clarifying the party’s decision, PDP National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade said zoning cannot override the Constitution.
Speaking on Arise TV, he explained that every Nigerian has the right to contest for office.
“Even if we zone our presidential slot to the South, it will not stop anybody from any part of the country from showing interest,” he said.
The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement welcomed the clarification. Its South-West Coordinator, Abass Olaniyi, described it as “a major victory for democracy and fairness.”
He stressed that Olawepo-Hashim’s ideas had finally been validated.
With this shift, observers say Olawepo-Hashim could enter the 2027 race as a unifying figure.
They believe he can bridge divides and rally Nigerians behind a vision of equity, justice, and competence.
Political analyst Udenta Udenta also reacted to the decision.
He warned that unless PDP and Labour Party (LP) form a united front, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will continue to dominate.
According to him, the APC has built “a structure of impunity, incompetence, and state capture.”
Udenta added that former President Goodluck Jonathan could change the dynamics if he decides to contest.
He cautioned that 2027 will be a “day of reckoning” for Nigeria.
“This country cannot continue like this. The people are watching and waiting. They are suffering,” he said.
Udenta stressed that Nigerians want change and would reject APC if credible alternatives emerge.
The PDP’s decision has set the stage for a fierce contest in 2027.
With zoning now open to interpretation, the battle lines are shifting, and opposition unity may determine the outcome.
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