Accord picks Olawepo-Hashim as presidential candidate

The Accord Party has affirmed businessman and politician, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election following the successful conduct of the party’s affirmation primaries across several states of the federation.

According to results released on Sunday, Olawepo-Hashim secured 423,902 affirmative votes in the exercise, which party officials described as peaceful, transparent, and a reflection of the confidence members have in his leadership and vision for Nigeria.

A statement issued by the Olawepo-Hashim Media Office and made available to our correspondent said the affirmation primaries witnessed a massive turnout of party members and supporters across participating states.

Although he was the sole aspirant and went into the exercise unopposed, the party conducted the primaries to enable members formally endorse his candidature through a democratic affirmation process.

Announcing the results, the Returning Officer for Kebbi State, Yahaya Mohammed, said the exercise was conducted in line with the party’s guidelines and reflected the overwhelming support enjoyed by the candidate among party members across the participating states.

Mohammed disclosed that Olawepo-Hashim polled a total of 423,902 affirmative votes, with Jigawa State recording the highest figure of 198,200 votes, followed by Kano State with 124,101 votes.

He added that Nasarawa State delivered 47,309 votes, Kebbi State returned 46,852 votes, Kwara State contributed 3,348 votes, while Lagos State recorded 4,548 affirmative votes.

“The exercise was peaceful, transparent and credible. The outcome demonstrates the confidence party members have in Dr Olawepo-Hashim and his vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria,” Mohammed said.

Party officials said the outcome underscored the growing support for Olawepo-Hashim within the party and signalled its readiness to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the development, supporters of the candidate described his emergence as a major milestone for the party, expressing optimism that the Accord Party would provide Nigerians with a credible alternative in the next general election.

They also portrayed Olawepo-Hashim as a bridge-builder capable of fostering national unity and healing longstanding divisions across regional and religious lines.

According to them, his candidacy offers a platform for reconciliation, inclusion and national cohesion at a time when the country faces increasing political and socio-economic challenges.

Olawepo-Hashim is a former student activist and businessman who has remained active in Nigeria’s political space for decades. He previously contested the presidential election in 2019 on the platform of the People’s Trust, campaigning on issues of national unity, economic reform and restructuring.

Over the years, he has advocated greater national integration and has frequently called for policies aimed at addressing insecurity, unemployment and regional disparities. He has also been involved in private-sector investments and public policy engagements.

The Accord Party, founded in 2006, has largely maintained a modest presence in Nigeria’s political landscape but has periodically recorded successes in state and local elections. The party is best known for its strong showing in parts of the South-West and has consistently positioned itself as an alternative to the country’s dominant political parties.

Olawepo-Hashim’s emergence adds to the growing list of politicians positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential contest, with political activities expected to intensify as parties begin consultations, coalition talks and internal preparations ahead of the election.