Court to Decide on Olawepo-Hashim's Presidential Suit

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, an Accord Party chieftain, has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting a ruling on the party's refusal to recognize him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The suit, presided over by Justice Moham Umar, seeks an order to compel the Accord Party to submit Olawepo-Hashim's name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for inclusion in its nomination portal.

Olawepo-Hashim's counsel, Henri Akunebu, argued that the party's failure to upload his name constitutes a violation of the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines. The defense, represented by T.W.

Olusesi, contended that the presidential primary was validly canceled and that no aspirants had purchased nomination forms. INEC's D.J.

Gusen supported the party's position, stating that the commission did not monitor the primary due to its cancellation. The court is expected to deliver its judgment on the matter.