In a landmark decision resolving months of intra-party disputes, the Federal High Court in Abuja has declared Dr. Gbenga Oluwepo-Hashim the validly nominated presidential candidate for the Accord Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Presiding Judge Mohammed Umar ruled that Oluwepo-Hashim’s nomination during the May 30, 2026 presidential primary was lawful, ordering the party to submit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and directing the electoral body to officially recognize his candidacy.

 

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#### **Key Highlights of the Ruling:**

 

* **Primary Election Validated:** The court rejected claims by party leadership that the May 30 primary had been canceled, upholding arguments by lead counsel Henry Akunebu (SAN) that the process was properly executed.

* **Purported Cancellation Letter Dismissed:** Justice Umar dismissed the defense's reliance on an internal letter sent to INEC claiming the exercise was called off, declaring the document invalid.

* **INEC Mandated to Act:** Countering arguments from INEC counsel D.J. Gusen—who stated the commission did not monitor the primary due to cancellation notices—the judge ruled that the internal disputes could not nullify the outcome, clearing the way for Hashim's full recognition.

 

With all preliminary objections thrown out, the court’s verdict firmly ends months of legal uncertainty surrounding Accord's 2027 presidential ticket, placing Oluwepo-Hashim officially on the ballot.y on the ballot.