2027 elections: Court orders INEC to recognise Olawepo-Hashim as Accord Party presidential candidate

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload the name of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as candidate of the Accord Party in the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Mohammed Umar gave the order after declaring that Olawepo-Hashim was lawfully nominated as presidential candidate of Accord Party.

Olawepo-Hashim, who is the plaintiff in the matter, had approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, for an order compelling the Accord Party to recognise him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

He also sought another order directing the party to forward his name to INEC as its flag bearer in the forthcoming general elections.

While delivering judgment in the suit, Justice Umar agreed with the plaintiff that the primary election that produced him was lawfully conducted, adding that the purported cancellation of the primary having not been communicated was of no moment.

The court subsequently held that the plaintiff lawfully emerged as candidate of the Accord Party, and his name should be immediately uploaded by the electoral umpire.

Reacting shortly after his victory in the court, Olawepo-Hasim said the party will immediately swung into action to continue its preparation ahead the 2027 elections.

The victory,  he said, is not for him alone but also the Accord Party and Nigerians, saying no reasonable politician will reject the possibility of his party forming government at the top level. We will face the ruling APC as one party.

“We are going to start a campaign immediately. We are more ready than what people think. So, in two weeks time, we will reconcile in Accord Party and we will start campaign,” the presidential candidate said.