Gbenga Hashim Sues Accord, INEC, Seeks Recognition as Party's Presidential Candidate

Gbenga Hashim's Bidding for Party's Presidential Ticket

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to July 14, 2026, a suit filed by Accord Party presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, seeking to be recognized as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The single sharpest fact in this election cycle so far is that Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is not the Accord Party's recognized presidential candidate, despite emerging as the winner of the party's primary election on May 30, 2026.

Dr. Olawepo-Hashim, a registered and financial member of the Accord Party, paid the prescribed nomination fee to contest the presidential primary and won the exercise conducted on May 30, 2026. Yet, his name was not forwarded to INEC as the party's presidential candidate. The suit names the Accord Party and INEC as the first and second defendants, respectively. Dr.

Olawepo-Hashim is asking the court to determine whether the party's failure to submit his name to INEC violates the Electoral Act 2026, the Constitution, and INEC's regulations for political parties. He is seeking a declaration that the party's refusal to forward his name to INEC contravenes Section 86 of the Electoral Act 2026 and relevant provisions of the electoral guidelines governing the nomination of candidates.

The suit also seeks an order compelling the Accord Party to submit Dr. Olawepo-Hashim's name to INEC as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Alternatively, he is asking the court to order the party to conduct a fresh presidential primary in which he would participate. Counsel to Dr. Olawepo-Hashim, Chief Henry Akunebu (SAN), argued that political parties are required by law to comply with the Electoral Act, their constitutions, and INEC guidelines in the nomination of candidates.

He submitted that once a valid primary election produces a winner, the party has a legal obligation to forward the successful aspirant's name to INEC.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim stated that he has been a registered and financial member of the Accord Party since 2015. He said he has been actively involved in the party's activities and has participated in various party programs. His supporters gathered at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, showing their determination to ensure that his presidential ambition is fulfilled.

Counsel to INEC requested an adjournment to enable the commission respond to the suit. Counsel for the Accord Party supported the application, while Dr. Olawepo-Hashim's counsel opposed it and urged the court to proceed with the hearing. After hearing the parties, the court granted the request for adjournment and fixed July 14, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit.