Court orders Accord to submit Olawepo-Hashim’s name for 2027 presidential poll

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Accord Party to recognise Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election and submit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the judgment on Monday, October 5. He found that Olawepo-Hashim emerged as the sole candidate from the party’s May 30 presidential primary, contrary to Accord’s position that it had not conducted the election.

The order requires the party to forward his name for uploading to INEC’s nomination portal. Channels Television reported that the judge also directed INEC to accept the nomination under Section 86 of the Electoral Act 2026.

The judge held that the party was wrong to withhold recognition and fail to submit Olawepo-Hashim’s name after collecting N50 million for his expression of interest and nomination forms.

NaijaTrend reported the earlier ticket-dispute lawsuit here. The suit against Accord and INEC sought an order compelling the party to submit his name as a validly nominated candidate.

During the proceedings, Olawepo-Hashim’s lawyer challenged a letter purportedly cancelling the primary. Channels Television reported that counsel argued the letter lacked the party’s official stamp and had been received by an unnamed INEC national commissioner.

As an alternative to submission of his name, Olawepo-Hashim had asked the court to direct Accord to hold a fresh presidential primary in which he would participate.

Sources: Premium Times, Channels Television