Former presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has stated that Nigeria does not need zoning arrangements to produce a competent leader. He argued that the country should prioritize capacity, vision, and integrity over rotational power-sharing when electing its president.
Olawepo-Hashim explained that while zoning was initially introduced to give a sense of belonging to different regions of the country, it has often limited the search for capable leadership. According to him, Nigeria is blessed with talented individuals across all regions, and the presidency should be open to the best candidate who can address pressing issues such as insecurity, economic instability, and corruption.
He noted that true democracy thrives when citizens freely choose leaders based on merit rather than sectional interests. “What Nigeria needs is a leader who can unite the nation, stabilize the economy, and restore hope in governance. Competence should be the key criterion, not zoning,” he emphasized.
The politician further cautioned political parties against over-reliance on zoning formulas ahead of the 2027 elections, urging them to focus instead on presenting candidates with proven track records and the ability to deliver good governance.
Olawepo-Hashim’s position comes amid ongoing debates within major political parties on power rotation, with some stakeholders insisting that zoning is necessary to maintain balance and fairness in Nigeria’s diverse polity.
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