Gbenga Hashim Challenges INEC Exclusion for 2027 Election

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the presidential candidate of the Accord Party, has declared that he cannot be excluded from the 2027 presidential election despite being omitted from the final list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Hashim described this exclusion as a matter for judicial determination, asserting his status as the duly nominated candidate of the Accord Party.

He argued that Nigeria's constitutional democracy does not grant INEC final authority over disputes regarding political party candidates. Hashim emphasized that the courts are responsible for adjudicating such matters to prevent administrative decisions from undermining legitimate political rights.

He referenced previous instances, such as the last Osun governorship election, where courts intervened to restore candidates initially excluded by INEC. Hashim has initiated legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to compel the Accord Party to recognize him as its presidential candidate and to submit his name to INEC.

The case has been heard and is awaiting judgment.