The Accord Party has officially dismissed assertions that Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, emphasizing that no valid presidential nomination process was concluded within the party.
In a statement issued from its National Secretariat in Abuja on June 3, 2026, the party clarified that its presidential primaries were canceled after no aspirant complied with the approved guidelines and timeline submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Party Denies Primary Outcome
The Accord Party also refuted reports of a primary election in which Olawepo-Hashim allegedly emerged as the candidate, describing it as a mere gathering of his supporters without official endorsement. The party stressed that no candidate purchased, submitted, or completed the required nomination steps within the stipulated timeframe, leading to the discontinuation of its presidential electoral process, which was duly communicated to INEC.
No Valid Aspirant Processed
The party noted that Olawepo-Hashim's expression of interest, submitted on May 26, 2026, came after the deadline and could not be processed. It confirmed that payments of ₦10 million and ₦40 million made after the closure of the process were reversed in line with financial and procedural guidelines.
In a formal response to the aspirant, the party stated: "Regrettably, no aspirant purchased and/or submitted an expression of interest/nomination form nor presented himself for screening on or before the stipulated deadline… Consequently, it could not be processed as a valid application." It added that missing deadlines could not be waived, even in the absence of other contestants.
Commitment to Internal Democracy
National Chairman Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden reiterated that the Accord Party remains committed to internal democracy and strict adherence to electoral rules. He noted that the party only fielded candidates for governorship and legislative elections and currently has no presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. He urged the public to disregard contrary reports.
