Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Sues Accord Party, INEC Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Sues Accord Party, INEC Over 2027 Presidential Ticket Presidential hopeful Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has dragged the Accord Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking legal recognition as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential candidate, filed the suit asking the court to affirm his status as the duly nominated candidate of the Accord Party ahead of the next presidential election. In the case, he is challenging issues surrounding the party’s presidential ticket and is seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise him as Accord’s standard bearer for the 2027 presidential contest. The suit names both the Accord Party and INEC as defendants, with the electoral body included because of its constitutional responsibility to receive and publish the names of candidates presented by political parties for elections.

Olawepo-Hashim argued that his candidacy should be upheld based on the processes and decisions that led to his emergence as the party’s presidential candidate. The development adds to the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, as parties and aspirants begin preparations for the contest. The legal action is expected to test issues relating to internal party processes, candidate nomination and the authority of political parties to select their representatives for elections. The Federal High Court in Abuja will determine the merits of the case and whether Olawepo-Hashim’s request for recognition as Accord Party’s presidential candidate can be granted. Olawepo-Hashim previously contested the 2019 presidential election and has remained active in national political discussions.