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2027: Osun, Lagos Adopt Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim As PDP Presidential Candidate, Reject Zoning Arrangement

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The agitation against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s zoning arrangement gained fresh momentum during the week as stakeholders in Osun and Lagos States staged rallies, declaring the zoning formula “null and void” and adopting business leader and ideological politician, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as their preferred candidate.

In Osogbo, the rally converged at the City Hall and was led by the South West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), Alhaji Abass Olaniyi and state coordinator, Mr Tajudeen Hassan,

It also featured prominent party stakeholders including a former PDP State Secretary, a former Woman Leader, and other grassroots mobilizers.

The participants argued that zoning has outlived its usefulness and should no longer dictate political choices in Nigeria.

“The era of division is over in Nigeria. What the country needs now is competence, capacity, and a unifier like Gbenga Hashim,” Alhaji Abass Olaniyi declared to loud applause.

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In Lagos, another rally attracted PDP local government and senatorial officials, alongside former State Party Executives. The event was coordinated by the Lagos State GHSM Coordinator, Hon. Ola Azeez, and reinforced the rejection of zoning as a barrier to credible leadership.

Speaking at the Lagos rally, Hon. Azeez insisted that the so called zoning error would not deter the movement.

“The era of division is over in Nigeria. This is a new era of competence and capability, and Gbenga Hashim stands tall as the symbol of that new vision,” he said.

Both rallies signaled a coordinated pushback within the PDP’s South West bloc against what participants described as “imposition tendencies” in the party’s national leadership.

In the past week, separate press statements from PDP stakeholders in Oyo and Ondo also rejected zoning, with analysts warning that the mounting resistance is already triggering a major internal realignment in the party ahead of the next general elections.

This resistance is not limited to the South West. Similar pushback has emerged from the northern part of the country, particularly in the North Central and North West.

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the PDP chapter officially adopted Gbenga Hashim as leader and candidate of the party. In Plateau State, stakeholders marched to the PDP Secretariat to reject the headquarters’ decision on zoning. In the North West, especially in Kano State, PDP stakeholders have also voiced firm opposition to the zoning arrangement, insisting that the party cannot afford to sideline competence and broad-based acceptability.

With widening resistance across geopolitical zones, observers say the zoning controversy could reshape the PDP’s internal dynamics and may determine the party’s strength heading into the next general elections.

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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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