Presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has reaffirmed his commitment to the struggle for a better Nigeria, declaring that the growing support from party members and Nigerians across the country has strengthened his resolve ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Thousands of his supporters on Thursday converged on Dawaki, Abuja, to welcome Olawepo-Hashim following the recently concluded Accord Party presidential primary held on May 31, 2026.
The supporters, drawn from various parts of the Federal Capital Territory, gathered as the businessman and politician met with party faithful to express appreciation for their mobilisation efforts and participation in the primary election process.
Addressing the crowd, Olawepo-Hashim described the turnout as a clear demonstration of increasing grassroots support for what he called a people-driven political movement focused on addressing the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, the gathering was organised primarily to thank supporters for their commitment, solidarity, and active involvement in the party’s internal democratic process.
He noted that the enthusiasm displayed by party members and supporters reflected a collective desire for improved governance, expanded economic opportunities, and national renewal.
Olawepo-Hashim expressed particular appreciation to members of the Accord Party family in the FCT, saying their continued support has reinforced his determination to continue advocating for a better future for Nigeria.
“This level of commitment and sacrifice by our supporters is encouraging. It demonstrates that Nigerians are eager for credible leadership and meaningful change. Together, we will continue to work towards building a nation that offers hope, prosperity, and opportunities for all,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement has raised concerns over what it described as attempts to undermine the outcome of the Accord Party presidential nomination process, insisting that Olawepo-Hashim remains the party’s duly elected presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the group described recent claims challenging Hashim’s emergence as “unfounded” and inconsistent with established party procedures.
The movement maintained that Olawepo-Hashim’s emergence followed a legitimate and transparent internal process involving party members nationwide.
According to the group, Hashim joined the Accord Party in March 2026 following consultations with party leaders on strengthening Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system and subsequently mobilised support across the country while contributing significantly to party development.
The statement added that the party leadership repeatedly assured him that Accord would field a presidential candidate in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
The movement also alleged that external political interests sought to influence the party’s decision-making process ahead of the presidential primary, with the aim of preventing the emergence of a viable opposition candidate in the 2027 election.
While urging party members and supporters to remain calm, the group argued that internal disputes over presidential tickets have become common across Nigeria’s political landscape.
It cited similar disagreements within other political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party, where competing claims have emerged over party leadership and presidential nominations.
According to the movement, the challenges facing the Accord Party are part of a broader trend in which strong opposition candidates often face internal and external attempts to weaken their political ambitions.
Despite the controversy, the group said Olawepo-Hashim remains committed to democratic principles, national unity, and the pursuit of policies aimed at addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
It added that the Accord Party presidential candidate remains focused on presenting Nigerians with a credible leadership alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.