The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement has accused “external political interests” of meddling in the Accord Party’s presidential nomination process, alleging a coordinated plot to stop the party from fielding a candidate in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued Wednesday by National Coordinator Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the group insisted Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim remains Accord’s duly elected presidential candidate. It dismissed recent counter-claims by sections of the party leadership as “unfounded and contrary to documented facts and democratic procedures already concluded.”
—“He followed due process”—
According to the movement, Hashim’s emergence followed a formal invitation from Accord’s national leadership.
He joined the party in March 2026 after consultations on strengthening Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, mobilized nationwide support, funded party development, and participated fully in activities leading to the presidential primary.
The group said party leadership repeatedly assured Hashim that Accord would present a presidential candidate in line with the Electoral Act and internal guidelines. The dispute, it argued, is not about internal procedure but about outside pressure.
–Alleged link to wider political alignments–
The statement referenced tensions tied to political statements outside Accord, including comments attributed to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC.
The movement alleged such alignments created leverage for external actors to influence Accord’s decision-making ahead of its primary.
“External political interests attempted to influence the party’s decision-making process ahead of the presidential primary,” the group claimed, adding that the pressure was aimed at ensuring Accord does not present a candidate in 2027.
–“Not just Accord” – pattern across parties–
The Hashim camp framed the crisis as part of a wider pattern. It cited factional disputes in ADC over multiple presidential claimants, PDP’s rival factions over its nominee, and Labour Party’s parallel claims.
“Virtually all political parties in Nigeria where strong candidates have featured have at least two parallel candidates, or the emergence of any serious candidate is sabotaged by agents of the incumbent government,” the statement said, describing it as “consistent with a plan to ensure that no viable candidate competes with the incumbent.”
–What the camp is asking–
The movement urged Accord members and the public to “remain calm.” It said Hashim remains committed to democratic principles and national unity, and continues to focus on offering “credible leadership alternatives ahead of 2027.”
–The stakes–
If Accord fails to resolve the dispute and submit a valid candidate to INEC, it would exit the presidential ballot for the second consecutive cycle. That outcome would reinforce the Hashim camp’s allegation that smaller parties face structural pressure when they produce candidates with national reach.
For now, two narratives are competing inside Accord: the Hashim camp’s claim of a completed, documented primary, and the opposing faction’s dispute of his emergence. INEC’s candidate recognition and the courts will likely decide which version stands.
