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2027: Gbenga-Hashim Solidarity Movement faults PDP Presidential tickets zoned to South, says it is unconstitutional

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The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has faulted the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing it as a constitutional and strategic blunder.

The GHSM declared that it will continue to advocate for Dr. Gbenga Hashim’s presidential candidacy in 2027 despite what it described as the strategic and constitutional error committed by the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC).

The group warned that such action may not only jeopardize the party’s chances in 2027, but could also expose its candidate to possible disqualification by the courts.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the movement argued that the PDP NEC, despite acting on a resolution that may enjoy majority support, lacks the legal authority to restrict elective offices to any region, as this violates both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) and the PDP’s own constitution.

The group cited Section 42(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which forbids any form of discrimination against citizens on grounds of ethnic group, place of origin, religion, sex, or political opinion, adding that shutting out aspirants based on “zoning” runs contrary to this provision.

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He further referenced Section 7(2)(c) of the PDP Constitution, which affirms that the party shall “conform to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” stressing that zoning elective offices amounts to a direct violation.

The movement reminded Nigerians that in 1999, despite the overwhelming sentiment of the June 12 annulment, the PDP did not zone its presidential ticket. Instead, aspirants from across the country contested freely, including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (South West), Dr. Alex Ekwueme (South East), Chief Jim Nwobodo (South East),Alhaji Abubakar Rimi (North West) and Dr Francis Ellah (South South).

“In that election, every aspirant exercised their democratic rights, and Nigerians expressed their sentiments through legitimate votes, not through exclusion,” Hamzat recalled.

Similarly, in 2003, despite being the sitting president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was not handed an automatic ticket. He contested alongside other heavyweights such as Chief Barnabas Gemade (North Central) and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi (North West), while aspirants from other regions were also cleared to participate.

The group further recalled that the PDP’s loss of power in 2015 was largely a consequence of the party’s deviation from this tradition. By granting President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket and shutting out northern aspirants, the party provoked a major rebellion that saw five northern governors and several key stakeholders walk out of the convention in protest.

“History has shown us that whenever the PDP abandons its democratic tradition of open contests, it pays a heavy price,” Hamzat stated. “The zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket is, therefore, not just an error but a dangerous miscalculation.”

Hamzat maintained that no political party in the history of Nigeria has ever zoned its presidential ticket to a particular region, stressing that the PDP NEC’s action sets a negative precedent that could deepen regional divisions and make national unity more elusive.

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for a level playing field within the PDP and vowed to sustain its support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in the 2027 presidential race.

“We believe Dr. Gbenga Hashim represents the true spirit of unity, inclusivity, and visionary leadership that Nigeria desperately needs. No amount of unconstitutional zoning will deter our movement. We will continue to push for the reversal of this error before the November convention,” the statement concluded.

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Kaduna 2027: Governor Uba Sani Replaces Deputy, Names Jerry Adams as Running Mate

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has officially nominated the Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Jerry Adams, as his new running mate.

The announcement, made on Tuesday via a personally signed statement, effectively signals the end of the ticket with the current Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, who also served as Deputy to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai during his second term.

Governor Sani framed the decision as more than a political calculation, describing it as a “reaffirmation” of his administration’s core philosophy of inclusive governance.

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“This decision is far greater than the selection of a deputy governorship candidate. It is a reaffirmation of the values that have guided our administration since I took the oath of office on 29 May 2023; the values of inclusion, justice, fairness, equity and the unwavering conviction that every citizen of Kaduna State deserves a genuine sense of belonging,” the Governor stated.

Addressing the state’s complex socio-political landscape, Sani noted that Kaduna’s rich diversity in ethnicity, religion, and culture should be a source of strength rather than division. He reflected on the state’s history, emphasizing the need to learn from past conflicts.

“Our history has taught us difficult lessons about the heavy cost of division, mistrust and exclusion. Yet it has also shown us that when we choose dialogue over discord, inclusion over alienation and justice over prejudice, our people achieve extraordinary things together,” he added.

The Governor touted his administration’s track record over the last three years as evidence of this commitment, citing equitable distribution of developmental projects across the state’s 23 local government areas. Key sectors highlighted include road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, rural development, and social protection programs.

The nomination of Jerry Adams, who currently oversees the state’s revenue generation, signals a potential shift in the administration’s focus toward economic consolidation and fiscal expansion as it prepares for the 2027 electoral contest.

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No Sin in Politics’ Wike Says as Fubara Returns to Rainbow Coalition

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

FCT minister Nyesom Wike has welcomed the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to his political side, declaring the latter has corrected his mistakes.

He said this in Abuja on Tuesday after inspecting the project, alongside the ongoing construction of the service carriageways of the Southern Parkway in Gaduwa District, Abuja.

Reacting to the Rivers governor’s recent declaration about his return to the Rainbow Coalition and pledge of complete loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Mr Wike said, “There is no sin in politics.”

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The minister further stated, “If someone realises he made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that.

“What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and deciding to take the right path.”

The minister, who welcomed Mr Fubara back into his political fold, insisted that the governor had “no other choice” than to return to the political family that brought him to power.

Mr Wike explained that the Rivers governor’s decision to align with his political camp publicly was a step in the right direction, adding that the reconciliation would strengthen support for Mr Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him,” Mr Wike stated.

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Aminu Magashi Donates Relief Materials to Bichi Female Rehabilitation Centre Inmates

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The Technical Adviser to the Kano State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, has donated relief materials, including blankets, food items, and essential drugs, to inmates of the Bichi Female Rehabilitation Centre following the destruction caused by a recent rainstorm.

Dr. Magashi made the donation during a visit to the facility on Sunday, July 26, accompanied by officials of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Isyaku Abdullahi Kubarachi.

The visit followed a heavy rainstorm that damaged parts of the rehabilitation centre, leaving several buildings in need of urgent repairs. During the inspection, Dr. Magashi interacted with staff and female inmates while assessing the extent of the destruction.

He observed that the rainstorm had blown off the roofs of several female accommodation blocks, while sections of the perimeter fence had collapsed, creating serious safety and security concerns for the facility.

In response to the situation, Dr. Magashi commended the Kano State Emergency Management Agency for its swift intervention, particularly the decision to temporarily relocate all female inmates to a dedicated and secured section within the Bichi Male Rehabilitation Centre.

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According to SEMA, the temporary relocation was undertaken to safeguard the lives and welfare of the inmates while rehabilitation and reconstruction of the damaged facility are carried out.

Dr. Magashi described the agency’s response as timely and necessary, noting that the safety and well-being of vulnerable persons in government care should remain a top priority.

He also pledged to support SEMA and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in convening a strategic stakeholders’ meeting aimed at reviewing the incident and strengthening emergency response mechanisms across rehabilitation centres in the state.

The meeting, he said, would provide an opportunity to mobilize additional support from government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and development partners to improve SEMA’s capacity in managing the 13 rehabilitation centres under its supervision.

Dr. Magashi highlighted his continued commitment to supporting humanitarian interventions across Kano State, recalling that he had previously visited six of the state’s 13 rehabilitation centres where he donated drugs and food items to inmates.

He added that he had also sponsored a one-day capacity-building training for health workers serving in the rehabilitation centres to improve healthcare delivery to inmates.

The Technical Adviser expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for appointing him to serve in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, pledging to continue supporting initiatives that improve the welfare of vulnerable residents across the state.If you’d like, I can also make it follow the exact Nigerian Tracker house style with a stronger lead, subhead, and editor-ready formatting.

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