As Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) grapples with internal fractures and existential uncertainty, a founding member has launched an audacious campaign to revive its original vision. Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, former presidential candidate and PDP stalwart, publicly endorsed the potential return of political heavyweights—ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party defector Peter Obi—to contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. His declaration is a direct challenge to factional leaders pushing for zoning and backroom consensus, igniting a battle for the party’s democratic soul.
In a statement dripping with historical urgency, Olawepo-Hashim invoked PDP’s 1998 founding ethos. As secretary of the publicity subcommittee under late chairman Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, he revealed the iconic umbrella symbol was conceived by an unnamed journalist a metaphor for inclusivity now trampled by gatekeepers. “The PDP was designed as a national platform, not an exclusive club,” he emphasized, praising pioneers like Alex Ekwueme, Solomon Lar, and Abubakar Rimi who embraced open contests. The 1999 Jos convention that produced Olusegun Obasanjo through competitive primaries, he argued, exemplified this spirit since eroded by “backdoor consensus”.
Hashim’s stance is a thinly veiled rebuke of current PDP power brokers. While figures like Minister Nyesom Wike advocate zoning the 2027 ticket to the South and openly back APC’s Tinubu Hashim insists fair competition, not regional horse-trading, must decide the nominee. “Those who feared competition exited early,” he declared. “We stayed, and Nigeria benefited”.
Though none have formally declared, the return of Jonathan, Atiku, or Obi would electrify PDP’s prospects and risks:
Peter Obi: The Labour Party’s 2023 star faces a crossroads. PDP factions woo him, citing polls showing he could “defeat any candidate in Northern states under PDP” (per ex-minister Jerry Gana). Yet allies warn rejoining risks alienating his “Obidient” base and trapping him in Wike’s pro-Tinubu machinations. ADC coalition talks further complicate his path .
Atiku Abubakar: The perennial candidate retains northern influence but is eyed warily by Southern elites. His alignment with Obi in a nascent opposition coalition (All Democratic Alliance, ADA) suggests he’s hedging bets if PDP fractures .
Goodluck Jonathan: Symbolizes South-South pragmatism. His return could soothe regional grievances but faces resistance from PDP’s anti-zoning camp.
Political scientists caution that Obi’s choice is existential: “Returning to PDP a damaged vehicle risks sabotage,” said NPSA President Prof. Hassan Saliu, while Bingham University’s Michael Agbo warned Wike’s control could “end Obi’s ambition” .
Beneath the surface simmers the South East’s festering discontent. As chronicled by analyst Gerald Okoye, PDP’s denial of its 2023 presidential ticket to an Igbo candidate—after decades of delivering 75–98% of the region’s votes was a “mortal sin.” The recent NEC meeting’s failure to enforce the South East’s nominee for National Secretary epitomizes the marginalization. “It’s time to forge new alliances,” Okoye urged, capturing regional disillusionment.
Hashim’s anti-zoning crusade thus strikes at PDP’s deepest wound: Can it accommodate the South East’s demand for equity without mandating rotation? As ex-minister Udenwa fumes, PDP has “taken the South East for granted” a sentiment fueling Obi’s leverage and the ADA coalition’s momentum.
For Hashim, PDP’s survival hinges on transcending zoning and welcoming all comers: “Let the best ideas emerge through fair competition.” But as Wike’s faction cozies up to Tinubu and ADA recruiters circle, the party faces Balkanization. If Jonathan, Atiku, or Obi embrace PDP’s open primaries, they could revive a stagnant opposition. If not, 2027 may cement APC’s dominance amid opposition rubble.
