Accord Party Rejects Olawepo-Hashim’s 2027 Presidential Claim, Returns N50 Million Fees
Accord Party Rejects Olawepo-Hashim’s 2027 Presidential Claim, Returns N50 Million Fees
A fresh controversy has emerged within the Accord Party after its national leadership formally distanced itself from the purported emergence of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The party declared that no valid presidential primary election was conducted and insisted that it currently has no officially recognized candidate for the presidential race. According to the leadership, reports suggesting that Olawepo-Hashim had secured the party’s ticket were inaccurate and did not reflect the party’s approved processes.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden, the Accord Party explained that the gathering where Olawepo-Hashim was reportedly presented as a candidate was not an officially sanctioned primary election. The party described the event as a political gathering organized by supporters of the aspirant rather than a legitimate nomination exercise.
The leadership further stated that its approved timetable and guidelines, which had been submitted to the electoral commission, did not produce any valid presidential aspirant within the stipulated period. While candidates emerged for governorship and legislative positions, the party maintained that no presidential nomination process was successfully completed.
Accord disclosed that Olawepo-Hashim formally indicated interest in contesting for the presidency after the deadline for the purchase of nomination forms, screening, and submission of applications had elapsed. Consequently, the party said it could not process his application under its existing guidelines.
The party also revealed that it received a total of N50 million from Olawepo-Hashim for expression of interest and nomination forms after the nomination process had closed. To uphold its internal regulations and commitment to due process, the party instructed its bankers to refund the entire amount to the originating account.
Accord rejected suggestions that the absence of other presidential aspirants automatically entitled any individual to emerge as the party’s candidate, stressing that compliance with established nomination procedures remains mandatory for all aspirants regardless of circumstances.
The development comes amid growing political activities and realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with political parties working to consolidate their structures and prepare for upcoming contests across the country.
Party officials reaffirmed that Accord remains committed to transparency, internal democracy, and adherence to electoral guidelines as it positions itself for future political engagements.
