Accord Party Chooses Olawepo-Hashim as Presidential Candidate

The Accord Party has chosen businessman and politician, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. This decision came after the party held its affirmation primaries in several states across Nigeria.

Results released on Sunday show that Olawepo-Hashim got 423,902 votes in the primaries. Party officials called the exercise peaceful, clear, and a sign of the trust members have in his leadership and vision for Nigeria.

A statement from the Olawepo-Hashim Media Office shared with our correspondent said many party members and supporters turned out for the primaries.

Even though he was the only candidate and went into the primaries unopposed, the party held the exercise to allow members to officially back his candidacy through a democratic process.

Yahaya Mohammed, the Returning Officer for Kebbi State, announced the results. He said the primaries followed the party’s rules and showed the strong support Olawepo-Hashim has among party members in the states that took part.

Mohammed revealed that Olawepo-Hashim received 423,902 votes in total. Jigawa State gave him the most votes, with 198,200. Kano State came next with 124,101 votes.

Nasarawa State contributed 47,309 votes. Kebbi State gave 46,852 votes. Kwara State added 3,348 votes, while Lagos State recorded 4,548 votes.

“The exercise was peaceful, clear, and credible. The results show the confidence party members have in Dr Olawepo-Hashim and his vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria,” Mohammed said.

Party officials stated that the results highlight the growing support for Olawepo-Hashim within the party. They also indicated that the party is ready to ramp up its mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Supporters of the candidate reacted positively to this news. They see his selection as a significant achievement for the party and believe that the Accord Party will offer Nigerians a solid alternative in the upcoming general election.

They also view Olawepo-Hashim as a unifier who can help bridge gaps and heal divides based on region and religion.

According to them, his candidacy brings a chance for reconciliation, inclusion, and national unity, especially as Nigeria faces growing political and economic issues.

Olawepo-Hashim has a history as a student activist and businessman and has been active in Nigeria’s politics for many years. He ran for president in 2019 with the People’s Trust, focusing on national unity, economic change, and restructuring.

Over time, he has pushed for more national integration and has often called for policies to tackle insecurity, unemployment, and regional inequalities. He has also engaged in private investments and public policy discussions.

Founded in 2006, the Accord Party has kept a low profile in Nigeria’s political scene but has seen success in state and local elections at times. The party is particularly known for its strong performance in parts of the South-West and aims to be an alternative to the main political parties in the country.

Olawepo-Hashim’s selection adds to the list of politicians gearing up for the 2027 presidential race. Political activities are expected to heat up as parties start talks, negotiations, and preparations for the election.