Accord Party's Hashim Calls for INEC's Disbandment

Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a chieftain of the Accord Party and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal, has demanded the disbandment and reconstitution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) due to its handling of a legal dispute concerning the Electoral Act 2026. Hashim argues that INEC must prioritize constitutional supremacy over statutory provisions, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching.

His statement follows the Supreme Court's decision on September 16, 2026, to reserve judgment in a case involving INEC and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) regarding Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7), and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. The ZLP had challenged these provisions, claiming they conflicted with the 1999 Constitution.

The Federal High Court dismissed the suit on May 5, 2026, but the Court of Appeal partially upheld the ZLP's appeal on July 16, 2026, declaring the provisions inconsistent with the Constitution. Hashim criticized INEC's appeal against this ruling, questioning its role as an election administrator.