A faction within the Accord Party said it conducted a nationwide primary and insists Dr. Olawepo‑Hashim is the party’s sole presidential candidate, contradicting the national chairman’s claim that no presidential primary was held.
Accord Party members under the Accord Alliance Movement (AAM) on Wednesday urged party leaders to immediately submit the name of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo‑Hashim to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, AAM director‑general Hon. Light Adah Adoko said the party conducted a nationwide presidential primary that produced Dr. Olawepo‑Hashim as the sole and overwhelmingly endorsed aspirant.
The group accused some party officials of plotting to frustrate the outcome and prevent the party from fielding a presidential candidate.
The demand follows a statement by national chairman Maxwell Mgbude that the Accord Party did not hold a presidential primary and therefore will not present a presidential candidate in 2027.
Adoko said the controversy was driven not by procedural lapses but by deliberate actions of a few individuals intent on undermining internal democracy.
He warned that such moves could weaken the party and erode members’ confidence, insisting that political parties should reflect the will of their members rather than the interests of a privileged few.
He argued there was no justification for denying Dr. Olawepo‑Hashim the party ticket, noting that as the only aspirant he met nomination requirements.
Adoko described attempts to block the party from presenting a presidential candidate as a denial of members’ right to participate in the electoral process.
Praising Dr. Olawepo‑Hashim’s record in pro‑democracy struggles, Adoko said the candidate embodies a “New Nigeria” vision capable of addressing insecurity, corruption, rising living costs and economic hardship.
He warned that sidelining the aspirant amounted to a “grand conspiracy” against internal democracy and the party’s future electoral prospects.
The AAM said it represents a broad coalition of stakeholders and grassroots supporters who will mobilise in support of Dr. Olawepo‑Hashim, calling on the party leadership to respect the primary’s outcome and submit his name to INEC without delay.
Requests for comment from the national chairman or other party officials were not immediately granted.
