The Accord Party has distanced itself from claims that businessman and politician Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim emerged as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, insisting that no presidential primary was conducted. The party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbuden, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, describing reports of Olawepo-Hashim’s emergence as inaccurate.
According to Mgbuden, the gathering that reportedly produced Olawepo-Hashim as candidate was not recognised by the party and did not constitute an official presidential primary. He explained that Accord did not have any valid presidential aspirant within the timeline outlined in its electoral guidelines and schedule submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party said although several aspirants purchased forms for other elective positions, no aspirant completed the necessary requirements to contest the presidential ticket within the approved period.
Mgbuden disclosed that Olawepo-Hashim formally indicated interest in the race after the deadline for submission and screening of aspirants had elapsed. He added that the party subsequently informed INEC of the cancellation of its planned presidential primary.
The chairman further revealed that N50 million paid by Olawepo-Hashim for expression of interest and nomination forms was received after the expiration of the nomination process. According to him, the payment comprised N10 million for the expression of interest form and N40 million for the nomination form. He said the party directed its bankers to refund the money in line with its commitment to transparency and due process.
Accord also dismissed suggestions that Olawepo-Hashim should automatically emerge as candidate because there were no other contenders, stressing that compliance with party procedures remains mandatory.
Mgbuden maintained that the party currently has no presidential candidate for the 2027 election but has successfully nominated candidates for governorship and legislative positions.
