Gbenga Hashim Challenges INEC Exclusion for 2027 Race

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the presidential candidate of the Accord Political Party, has declared that no action by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can exclude him from the 2027 presidential election. This statement follows his exclusion from INEC's final list of candidates.

Hashim emphasized that the matter is subject to judicial review, asserting his status as the duly nominated candidate of Accord. He argued that Nigeria's constitutional democracy does not grant INEC final authority over candidate disputes, highlighting the role of the courts in preventing administrative decisions from infringing on political rights.

Hashim has initiated legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking recognition as the presidential candidate and an order for Accord to submit his name to INEC. He claims to have won the Accord presidential primary on May 30, 2026, and insists that the INEC publication does not determine his candidacy due to the ongoing legal dispute.