Defying Zoning: FCT PDP Declares Support For Olawepo-Hashim’s 2027 Presidency

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have officially adopted Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as their political leader and endorsed his presidential aspiration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja and attended by more than 170 critical party leaders, including area council chairmen, ward chairmen, councillorship candidates, and other stakeholders, the PDP family in the FCT unanimously rejected the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South.

The gathering, which was charged with chants of “PDP, Power to the People!” resolved that the zoning arrangement was unacceptable and vowed to resist any attempt to exclude aspirants from the North Central region.

Speaking at the meeting, party chieftain Hon. Soko Dobo stressed that the North Central was firmly behind Olawepo-Hashim.

“The National Chairman himself said zoning does not mean others cannot contest. We in the North Central are fully behind Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim,” Dobo declared.

Another stalwart, Dr. Ezekiel, lamented the political marginalisation of FCT residents despite the territory’s population of over five million people spread across 800 communities. He argued that Olawepo-Hashim’s deep understanding of FCT challenges made him the right choice to champion the cause of the people at the national level.

In his response, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim expressed gratitude for the endorsement, assuring supporters that he would not disappoint them. He recalled that even in 1999, when zoning favoured the South West, aspirants from other zones were still allowed to contest.

“I have no intention of backing down. No party can close its doors to any Nigerian’s aspiration. The North Central has never produced a President or Vice President, and it will be unfair to deny us the chance now,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the formal adoption of Olawepo-Hashim as the political leader of the FCT.

The motion was moved by the State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Ismail Dogara, and seconded by the Executive Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya, amid enthusiastic chants of “Where you go, we go!” from party youths and women.

In his goodwill message, the PDP National Vice Chairman for the North Central Zone, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara, commended Olawepo-Hashim’s unwavering commitment to the zone, describing his candidacy as a rallying point for party unity and strength in the region.

Olawepo-Hashim concluded by charging stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2026 Area Council elections, stressing that victory at the grassroots would be crucial for the PDP’s success in 2027.