A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Accord Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar gave the order in a judgment on Monday, directing the party to forward Olawepo-Hashim’s name to INEC in compliance with Section 86 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The judge held that the provision was violated when the Accord party failed to submit the plaintiff’s name after he emerged as the sole aspirant at its May 30 presidential primary.
Justice Umar dismissed the party’s position that no primary election was conducted, pointing to evidence that Olawepo-Hashim paid N50 million for the expression of interest and nomination forms.
The Court also faulted the party’s case concerning the disputed primary, finding inconsistencies in several of its claims.
Olawepo-Hashim had approached the Court challenging the party’s refusal to transmit his name to INEC.
He also challenged documents tendered by the Accord Party and INEC, particularly a letter said to have cancelled the presidential primary.
He argued that the document did not bear the party’s official stamp and, although addressed to the INEC Chairman, was received by an unnamed National Commissioner.
The plaintiff maintained that he won the May 30 primary election as the sole aspirant in an exercise he said was monitored by INEC officials.
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(Editor: Ken Eseni)
