By Julian Osamoto
A Federal High Court in Abuja, has ordered the Accord Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Justice Mohammed Umar directed the party to submit Olawepo-Hashim’s name to INEC in line with Section 86 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The ruling followed a dispute over the party’s May 30 presidential primary. Olawepo-Hashim claimed he emerged as the sole aspirant and winner, but the Accord Party denied conducting the primary.
Justice Umar, however, held that the party’s refusal to submit Olawepo-Hashim’s name to INEC violated the Electoral Act.
The court also relied on evidence that Olawepo-Hashim paid N50 million for the expression of interest and nomination forms for the primary.
