Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is reported by multiple outlets as having emerged as the Accord Party’s presidential candidate for Nigeria’s 2027 general election, following affirmation primaries held across several states. Vanguard reports that he polled 423,902 affirmative votes in the party’s affirmation primaries, and additional reports describe state-level Accord members and stakeholders in places such as Ekiti, Osun, Kaduna, and Northern states (Kano, Jigawa and Katsina) backing his bid. Some outlets also report support from Accord chairmen and party leaders who rally behind him despite internal disputes.
However, Vanguard also reports that the Accord Party’s national leadership disowns Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate. It says the party has no candidate for the race and that no valid presidential primary was conducted, and it refunds N50 million nomination fees. Punch reports similarly that Accord disowns his candidacy and refunds the N50 million nomination fee, citing issues including late submission and an unrecognized primary.
Overall, the coverage depicts a party split between supporters and leadership over the validity and recognition of the candidacy ahead of the 2027 election.
