The political atmosphere in Kaduna is heating up as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim continues to draw strong support from party faithful.
This is just as the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edward Masha, insist that only a PDP-led coalition can send the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) packing in 2027.
Masha, made the declaration on Wednesday when he received thousands of members of the Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Solidarity Movement (GOH-Front), at the PDP Secretariat in Kaduna.
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The group stormed the city to demand a review of the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to the South, arguing that such a move could weaken PDP’s chances at the polls.
Speaking after receiving their petition, Masha described the PDP as the only party with the structure and national reach to seriously challenge the APC. “Coalitions are welcome, but no party has structure across the country more than PDP. Take it or leave it, PDP is the only party that can provide that kind of structure,” he stated.
The PDP boss accused the APC of inflicting hardship on Nigerians, warning that voters were ready to punish the ruling party in the next election. “Any reasonable Nigerian knows the people are not happy with this system. We were told to be patient with 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 anywhere,” he said.
Masha expressed concern over the worsening economy and rising cost of living, noting that many families could no longer afford food and school fees.
“Today, how many Nigerians can feed themselves even twice daily? Look at prices in the market 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.
Looking ahead, he predicted that the party’s National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 would be a turning point. “When credible leaders emerge after the convention, you will see a lot of permutations. Those who left PDP will return, and even some from the ruling party will come back. Once that happens, no one will be able to stop it,” he assured.
On the contentious zoning issue, Masha stressed that the decision of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), did not bar aspirants from contesting. “That is the NEC decision and I cannot go against it. But it was also clearly stated that zoning does not preclude anybody who intends to contest. So the field is still open for anyone with the capacity and interest,” he explained.
Earlier, the Kaduna State Coordinator of GOH-Front, Hon. Aliyu Mohammed (Achili), argued that the presidential ticket should remain open. “The presidential ticket should be left open to each and every Nigerian who is a loyal member of this party and capable of contesting. That is the only way PDP will be stronger,” he said.
He maintained that the opposition must focus on exploiting APC’s weaknesses rather than limiting its own options. “We don’t have to think like the ruling party. We must look at their loopholes and take back our mandate. That is why we are appealing for a reversal,” Mohammed noted, confirming that the petition was received and would be transmitted to the national leadership.
Observers say Olawepo-Hashim’s grassroots mobilisation and message of inclusivity are steadily gaining traction in Kaduna, often regarded as the barometer of Northern politics.
During the recent Maulud celebration at Murtala Muhammad Square, his supporters flooded the venue with posters and solidarity songs, declaring their belief that the Kebbi-born politician could emerge as the PDP’s candidate and Nigeria’s next president in 2027.
