By Our Reporter,The Nation
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State chair seeks internal coalition for party’s victory
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, is enjoying growing goodwill in Kaduna State, the heartbeat of northern politics.
State Chairman, Edward Masha, said this while hosting members of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Solidarity Movement (GOH-Front) at the party’s state secretariat in Kaduna.
He noted that only a coalition led by the party can unseat All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.
The group was at the secretariat to press for reversal of PDP’s zoning of its presidential ticket to South.
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Addressing reporters after receiving the group’s petition, Masha said while alliances were welcome, only PDP had the spread and structure to pose a serious challenge to APC.
“Coalitions are welcome, but no party has structures than PDP. Take it or leave it, PDP is the only party that can provide that kind of structure,” he said.
The party chair claimed Nigerians were disillusioned with APC after years of hardship, adding the ruling party’s popularity had waned nationwide.
“Any Nigerian knows the people are not happy with this system. We were told to be patient with (former President Muhammadu) Buhari for eight years. Now, the same people are telling us to be patient again under Tinubu. No Nigerian wants to hear APC’s name,” Masha said.
According to him, families can no longer feed properly or afford school fees, stressing that voters would punish APC at the polls.
“Today, how many Nigerians can feed themselves, even twice daily? Look at the prices in the market today, compared to two years ago. The economy is bad; the cost of living is high. Nigerians will not reward APC with another term,” he added.
Masha predicted PDP’s convention on November 15 and 16 would be a watershed moment that would attract returnees and re-energise it ahead of 2027.
“When credible leaders emerge after the convention, you will see more permutations. Those who left the PDP will return, and even some from the ruling party will come back. Once that happens, no one will stop it,” Masha said.
Commenting on the party’s NEC’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to South, Masha reiterated that zoning did not preclude any aspirant from contesting.
“That is NEC’s decision; I cannot go against it. But it was also said zoning does not preclude anyone who wants to contest. So, the field is open for anyone with capacity and interest,” he added.
State Coordinator of GOH-Front, Aliyu Mohammed (Achili), argued that restricting the ticket to South could weaken PDP’s chances against APC.
“The presidential ticket should be left open to every loyal Nigerian of this party capable of contesting. That is the only way PDP will be stronger,” he said.
Mohammed stressed that PDP must focus on exploiting APC’s weaknesses rather than limiting its options.
“We shouldn’t think like them. We must look at their loopholes and take back our mandate. That is why we appeal for a reversal.”
He said the petition was received by the state chair, and would be sent to the leadership.
Olawepo-Hashim’s message of inclusivity and renewal was resonating in Kaduna,. His grassroots appeal is gaining momentum among stakeholders.
