Federal High Court orders Accord Party to upload Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim to INEC portal for 2027.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the presidential candidate of the Accord Party for the upcoming 2027 general election, ordering the party to upload his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission portal.
Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the judgment on Monday, dismissing all preliminary objections and rejecting a disputed letter that claimed the party had cancelled its primary election held on May 30, 2026, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Following the court ruling, the political figure called for immediate reconciliation among all stakeholders, urging party members to close ranks and work together to secure victory in the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Court ruling on Accord Party presidential primary
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed Umar rejected a purported cancellation letter, stating it lacked official validation, and ruled that Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim emerged as the legitimate sole aspirant during the May 30 primary monitored by electoral officials.
Counsel Henry Akunebu argued that refusing to forward the nomination violated electoral laws. Meanwhile, defence counsel T.W. Olusesi and INEC representative D.J. Gusen maintained that the primary had been officially cancelled before monitoring could occur.
Call for reconciliation and party unity
Addressing party members after the court victory, the presidential hopeful urged everyone to unite, stating that the ruling marks a fresh opportunity for harmony as the march to a new Nigeria officially begins across the country.
He dedicated the legal success to God, party members, stakeholders, and his hardworking legal team, expressing deep gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary for upholding justice regarding the disputed nomination process.
Financial compliance and legal battle details
The litigation centered on whether the political party could legally refuse to submit the name of a candidate who successfully won the primary, paid the required nomination fee, and contributed funds toward electronic registration.
Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim maintained he fulfilled all financial requirements as a registered member, paying the 50 million Naira nomination fee and an additional 7 million Naira for electronic membership registration programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Accord Party presidential candidate for 2027?
Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is the affirmed Accord Party presidential candidate for the 2027 election following a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja.
What did the Federal High Court order Accord Party to do?
Justice Mohammed Umar ordered the Accord Party to immediately upload Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim name to the INEC nomination portal.
When is the next Nigerian presidential election?
The upcoming Nigerian presidential election is scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027, with Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim running on the Accord Party platform.
Did INEC monitor the Accord Party presidential primary?
Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim maintained that INEC officials monitored the May 30 primary, despite initial disputes raised by party counsels and electoral commission representatives.
