A political support group has taken a swipe at Professor Jerry Gana over his recent comments on zoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket to the South.
Abdulrazaq Hamzat, National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, dismissed Gana’s statement as “factually wrong and constitutionally shaky.”
Gana had claimed on national television that PDP chairmen from the North had agreed to shift the 2027 ticket to the South. But Hamzat says that statement doesn’t reflect any official party decision.
“There is no such resolution from any constitutionally recognised organ of the PDP,” Hamzat said. “Even if informal talks happened, they hold no legal weight and cannot override the party constitution or Nigeria’s laws.”
He also questioned the credibility of Gana’s sources, saying, “We have it on good authority that no such consultation occurred between the Northern chairmen and Professor Gana.”
The group, which is backing PDP chieftain Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, called for calm and constitutional order as the party heads into its national convention scheduled to take place in Oyo State later this year.
Hamzat praised the current National Working Committee led by Ambassador Umar Damagun for “promoting inclusion and holding the party together in difficult times.”
He warned against using zoning to fuel political division.
“The spread of sectional narratives, no matter the intention, weakens the unity the NWC is working hard to build,” he said.
He urged party members to avoid sentiment and stick to national interest.
“Only a broad national agenda can give the PDP the upper hand in 2027,” he said.
Hamzat backed his stance with historical examples.
“When Obasanjo emerged as PDP candidate in 1999, Northern leaders like Abubakar Rimi contested alongside Southern aspirants. Even in 2003, Rimi and Barnabas Gemade, both Northerners, ran for the ticket.”
He also cited the 2022 APC primaries.
“Aspirants came from both regions Tinubu, Lawan, Yahaya Bello and nobody was excluded. That’s democracy.”
To drive the point home, Hamzat quoted Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which forbids discrimination based on origin or political belief.
“Zoning may serve as a political understanding, but it must never become a tool for exclusion,” he said. “The Constitution is the final authority.”
He called on party elders, including Gana, to support a more inclusive, national outlook.
“The PDP’s strength lies in its diversity. Let’s make the next convention about leadership and vision, not geography,” Hamzat said.
