Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have declared their support for the Presidential aspiration of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim ahead of the 2027 general election.
At a stakeholder meeting attended by about 170 members of the party from various area councils, which included Local Government, Party Ward Chairmen, Council Chairmanship Flag bearers, Councilorship candidates, Executive Chairmen, Secretaries of Area Councils and other stakeholders, the FCT PDP faithful openly rejected the decision of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to zone the Presidential ticket to the South.
They insisted that the decision was unacceptable and vowed to resist any attempt to stop their preferred candidate from the North Central region.
Amid chants of “PDP power to the people”, speakers at the gathering maintained that it was time for the North Central to produce Nigeria’s president, stressing that the region could no longer continue to play a subordinate role in national politics.
Party chieftain, Soko Dobo said that the North Central was solidly behind Olawepo-Hashim and that efforts were ongoing to rally delegates across the country in his favour. “The National Chairman himself said that zoning does not mean others cannot contest. We in the North Central are fully behind Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim,” he said.
Another chieftain, Ezekiel said that Gbenga Hashim fully understands the challenges facing the FCT people.
He lamented the political marginalisation of FCT residents, saying with a population of over five million across 800 communities, the territory still lacks a state structure and has only one senator and two members in the House of Representatives.
In his remarks, Olawepo-Hashim thanked party leaders and supporters for endorsing his aspiration, assuring them that he would not disappoint. He urged them not to be discouraged by the NEC’s zoning decision, recalling that in 1999 the PDP still allowed aspirants outside the favoured zone 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.
Stakeholders present also formally adopted Hashim as the political leader of FCT. In a motion moved by the State Chairman, Ismail Dogara and seconded by The Executive Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya amidst singing by party youths and women all pledging “where you go, we go”.
The National Vice Chairman, North Central Zone, Abdulrhaman Mohammed Takushara thanked Gbenga Hashim for his unflinching support for the North Central Zone which will ”galvanise the party for greater victories in the Zone by the grace of God.”
In his further remarks at the meeting, Gbenga Hashim charged all stakeholders to work hard to secure victory at the Area Council election scheduled for 2026.
