A political support group within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the reported plan to zone the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the southern part of the country, insisting that all aspirants should be given equal opportunity to contest.

The North Central Support Group for Dr. Gbenga Joel Hashim made its position known on Wednesday when it staged a demonstration at the PDP State Secretariat, demanding a reversal of the zoning arrangement. Members of the group carried placards with various inscriptions as they submitted a petition to the party’s leadership.

Speaking to the crowd after the submission, the group’s leader, Comrade Ezekiel Dimfa, appealed to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to provide a level playing field for all members, stressing that fairness and inclusivity were essential for the party’s unity ahead of 2027.

“We believe this zoning move may create perceptions of unfairness and undermine the party’s commitment to meritocracy. Nigerians want effective leaders who can tackle economic challenges and security threats, and we are convinced PDP has the capacity to provide such leadership,” Dimfa said.

He noted that while zoning had been part of PDP’s tradition, the party had always allowed aspirants from other regions to contest its presidential primaries in the past. Excluding candidates outside the South, he argued, would not only be unfair but also weaken the party’s democratic credentials.

The group, while faulting the zoning decision, endorsed Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for a second term, citing his “exceptional performance” in the last two years.

Dimfa commended the PDP NWC under Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagun, as well as the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders, for stabilising the party ahead of its Ibadan National Convention in 2025.

Reiterating their support for Dr. Gbenga Joel Hashim’s 2027 presidential ambition, the group said both Hashim and Governor Mutfwang possess the vision, competence, and character required to deliver good governance and move Nigeria forward.