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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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Ganduje Shelves Attempt To Establish Independent Hisbah – Dan Agundi

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The attempt for the establishment of an independent Hisbah group in Kano State has been withdrawn and suspended – Baffa Babba Dan Agundi.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Alhaji Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, who said the withdrawal of the attempt was followed by a meeting with all stakeholders across the 44 local governments held at the Tinubu campaign office on Tuesday, the 16th of December.

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The statement added that the decision was following widespread outcry that trailed the attempt to establish the independent Hisbah group and the intervention of stakeholders, especially the Kano State Government and Department of State Services, as well as the former Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to ensure peace and stability.

The statement revealed that the meeting resolved to suspend the establishment of an independent Hisbah Fisabilillah to allow the Kano State Government to look into the issues amicably.

The statement maintained that the meeting also reiterated respect for the constituted authority and resolved to cooperate with security agencies for the maintenance of law and order as well as safety in Kano State and the country at large.

 

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ICPC Confirms Receipt of Dangote Petition Against NMDPRA CEO, Vows to Launch Investigation on the Matter

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has acknowledged the receipt of a formal petition filed by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote against Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In the petition, Dangote alleges that Ahmed engaged in economic sabotage and corrupt practices, including the purported use of $5 million in public funds to cover his children’s tuition at Swiss schools.

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The petition, submitted earlier this week, calls for an investigation into Ahmed’s conduct and alleged misuse of office. The ICPC has confirmed that the matter is under review in line with standard procedural protocols, and will investigate in due time.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today Tuesday 16th December, 2025 from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.

“The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated,” said a statement by ICPC spokesman, John Odey.

No further statements have been released by either the ICPC or NMDPRA regarding the allegations at this time.

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None of Nigeria’s Presidents have Brigadier Generals as ADC, as the promotion of Tinubu’s ADC was shelved.

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None of Nigeria’s Presidents have Brigadier Generals as ADC, as the promotion of Tinubu’s ADC was shelved.”

The controversial plan to decorate Nurudeen Yusuf, aide-de-camp (ADC) to President Bola Tinubu, as a one-star general on Monday evening was shelved at the last minute after an intervention by two former chiefs of army staff.

Yusuf, who was only decorated as a colonel last January, was to be promoted to the rank of brigadier-general through “special presidential promotion”.

Under normal process, an officer has to be a colonel for at least four years after which he or she will attend the National Defence College (NDC) before they are considered for promotion.

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The approval to bypass the process was conveyed in a letter from the office of the national security adviser (NSA) to the Chief of army staff.

No brigadier has ever been ADC to the president of Nigeria, leading to further disquiet within the military establishment.

Ahead of the planned decoration on Monday, the minister of defence, Chris Musa — who is a retired general — and the chief of army staff, Waidi Shaibu, a lieutenant general, had cut short their visit to Lagos state and returned to the federal capital.

However, two highly respected former army chiefs eventually succeeded in persuading Tinubu to shelve the plan because of the dangers to the military establishment, TheCable learnt.

A presidential source told that the promotion is not going to happen “anytime soon”.

 

 

The cable

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