By YouNews

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By, Onome Jackson

The decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to open its 2027 presidential ticket to all aspirants, while still retaining the principle of zoning to the South, has been described as a vindication of the position long canvassed by technocrat and politician, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.

This was as a prominent political analyst, Udenta Udenta, stressed unity among opposition parties as vital to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since the PDP announced its zoning decision, Olawepo-Hashim has consistently faulted it, describing the move as undemocratic and contrary to the principles of fairness, justice and equity on which the party was founded.

Clarifying the party’s stance, the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, said on Arise Television’s Morning Show that while zoning remained a tool for equity, it could not override the country’s Constitution, which guarantees all citizens the right to seek elective 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. We cannot do things that will contradict the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm,” Ajibade said.

The clarification aligns with the argument of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, which has maintained that zoning must not be used to exclude competent leaders, particularly from the North. According to the group, no internal party arrangement should supersede constitutional provisions.

Reacting to the development, South-West Coordinator of the movement, Abass Olaniyi, described the PDP’s position as “a major victory for democracy and a vindication of Olawepo-Hashim’s ideological politics,” stressing that the party had chosen the path of fairness and inclusivity.

With the PDP now aligning with Olawepo-Hashim’’s long-held position, observers believe he is better positioned to enter the race as a unifying figure, capa