PDP Presidential Zoning: A Constitutional Conundrum?

Strategic Insights -

The recent comments by Professor Jerry Gana on the alleged zoning of the PDP's 2027 presidential ticket to the South have sparked a heated debate within the party. Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, has disputed this assertion, citing constitutional provisions that prohibit discrimination based on place of origin, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Hamzat urged party leaders to prioritize unity, fairness, and legality as the PDP prepares for its national convention in Oyo state later this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Abdulrazaq Hamzat, National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, has rejected Professor Jerry Gana's claim that all PDP chairmen from the North unanimously resolved to zone the party's presidential ticket to the South.
  • Hamzat argued that no such decision was reached by any constitutionally recognized organ of the PDP, and even if informal discussions occurred, they do not carry the force of party or constitutional authority.
  • Hamzat cited Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which prohibits discrimination based on place of origin, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
  • Hamzat emphasized that zoning should not be used as a tool of exclusion, and the Constitution remains supreme.
  • The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement supports former presidential candidate and PDP chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, and has members across various parties, including PDP, APC, and Labour Party.
  • Hamzat urged party leaders to prioritize unity, fairness, and legality as the PDP prepares for its national convention in Oyo state later this year.

Statistics:

  • The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement has members across various parties (PDP, APC, Labour Party).
  • No specific statistics are available on the number of members in the movement.
  • 2027: the year in which the PDP's presidential election is scheduled to take place.
  • Oyo state: the location of the PDP's national convention later this year.
  • PDP: the party in question, which has a long history of internal debates and power struggles.
  • 1999: the year in which the current Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was drafted (as amended).

Sources:

  • Professor Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information, on national television.
  • Abdulrazaq Hamzat, National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, during an interview.
  • Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
  • The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement's statement on the alleged zoning of the PDP's presidential ticket.