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Olawepo Hashim Sparks Nationwide Revolt Against PDP Power Sharing Formula

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Gbenga Hashim

 

Support groups across the country backing the presidential ambition of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in 2027 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have intensified their agitations, declaring that resurrecting zoning in the current political context is “simply regressive.”

The groups unanimously called on PDP leaders and other critical stakeholders to jettison zoning, describing it as unpopular among members and detrimental to party unity. They maintained that the PDP can only remain strong and formidable enough to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if it prioritises inclusivity, fairness and merit over sectional arrangements.

This comes on the heels of Dr. Olawepo-Hashim’s latest declaration rejecting PDP’s zoning policy and reaffirming his presidential ambition ahead of 2027.

“Zoning is unlawful; I’ll contest for the presidency,” he stated.

In a statement from his office, Hashim dismissed the recent decision of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) as “illegal, unpopular and driven by selfish interests.”

“That purported NEC decision was organised by a few people for selfish reasons. It is illegal and unpopular, as you can see from the deluge of protests from party members across the country,” he said.

According to him, the Electoral Act 2022 does not empower political parties to impose conditions such as zoning on aspirants beyond what is expressly provided in the Nigerian Constitution. He noted that even the ruling APC avoided being trapped by zoning controversies, urging the PDP to correct what he described as “a grave error.”

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The PDP zoning decision has continued to attract protests and criticisms from both Northern and Southern members of the party.

In Jos on Wednesday, thousands of supporters of Dr. Hashim stormed the PDP Secretariat demanding an open contest without exclusion. The North Central Renaissance Movement, led by Professor Nghargbu K’tso, condemned the NEC decision as unjust to the North and, in particular, the North Central zone, which has never produced either a President or Vice President since Nigeria’s return to democracy.

One of the protesters argued that zoning is no longer defensible, pointing out that by 2027 the South would have produced presidents for 18 years while the North only 10.
“If before there was marginalisation of the South, no one can say so again by 2027. The South would have produced presidents for 18 years and the North for just 10. So who is marginalising who?” he asked.

In Kano, the coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard, Hon. Aminu Bala Wudilawa, told Freedom Radio that political trends in the North favour competence and capacity over sectional arrangements. He alleged that only a few politicians eyeing the vice presidential slot were pushing for zoning to the South.

Hashim has consistently maintained that only a president chosen on the basis of competence and patriotism can fix Nigeria’s challenges. He stressed that historical precedent in the PDP supports an open presidential contest.

“Even in 1999, when there was strong sentiment for accommodating the South-West due to the annulment of June 12, candidates from the North such as Alhaji Abubakar Rimi were not barred from contesting. The same happened in 2002, when President Olusegun Obasanjo, then a sitting president, faced aspirants from the North like Chief Barnabas Gemade and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi,” he recalled.

Hashim also cited Nigeria’s voting history as evidence that zoning is unnecessary.
“On June 12, 1993, the great people of Kano set ethnicity aside and voted for Chief M.K.O. Abiola against Alhaji Bashir Tofa, their kinsman. More recently, in the 2023 elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu won in Northern Nigeria against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a Northern candidate, yet lost his home state Lagos to a candidate from another zone. This shows Nigerians are capable of making political decisions without bowing to ethnic or sectional instincts,” he said.

Similar reactions have continued to pour in from sister groups, individuals and organisations within and outside Nigeria, warning the PDP of looming consequences that, they alleged, may jeopardise its chances of reclaiming power in 2027.

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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EFCC Reopens Atiku’s Alleged Financial Crimes Probe

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

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The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

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