The internal crisis within the Accord Party has taken a new turn as 23 state chairmen of the party moved to counter opposing positions within the national leadership, insisting that Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim remains the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, June 13, the state chairmen said they welcomed and endorsed Olawepo-Hashim’s emergence, describing it as the outcome of a democratic process and the will of party members.
The development comes amid disagreement within the party over the presidential primary process, with the state chairmen maintaining that the mandate produced through the exercise must be respected.
The chairmen said political parties derive their strength from the confidence of their members and grassroots structures, stressing that internal democracy remains central to Accord’s credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources close to the meeting disclosed that several other state chairmen who could not attend the Abuja gathering also conveyed their support for the position.
The move, led by the Lagos and Kaduna State chairmen, reportedly enjoys support from a number of key party stakeholders, including members of the National Working Committee.
The chairmen described Olawepo-Hashim as a leader with national experience, democratic credentials, and the capacity to provide a credible alternative for Nigerians.
They cited his pro-democracy background, national engagement, and economic blueprint focused on industrialisation, energy development, job creation, and unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
The latest development has deepened the contest for control of the Accord Party structure, shifting the dispute into a broader battle over party authority, grassroots legitimacy, and the future direction of the party ahead of 2027.
