A striking grassroots political scene has emerged from a rural Hausa community in Northern Nigeria, where hundreds of residents gathered around a local artist performing with a traditional musical instrument, chanting the name of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and singing in support of the Accord Party.
In footage shared on TikTok, the artist leads the performance as residents enthusiastically chant, “Gbenga! Gbenga! Gbenga!” and join in singing “Zaɓi Accord” — Hausa for “Vote Accord.”
The scene offers a glimpse into how political messages can travel beyond conventional campaign platforms, formal party structures and urban political gatherings. Through indigenous music, familiar language and communal participation, the Accord Party’s message is finding expression in a cultural setting familiar to the residents.
Rather than a conventional political rally, the gathering appears to be an informal, community-centred expression, with a local performer using music to communicate a political message ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The significance of the scene lies in its setting and medium. Rural communities, particularly those far from major urban centres, often receive less attention in conventional political coverage. Yet local music, oral traditions and community performances can provide channels through which political messages circulate and attract public attention.
For the Accord Party, the footage offers a glimpse of its presidential message being expressed through a grassroots cultural platform in Arewa. The repeated chants of “Gbenga” and “Zaɓi Accord” place Hashim and the party at the centre of the performance.
As the 2027 election approaches, the ability of political parties to connect with voters beyond major cities, including through local languages and cultural channels, will remain an important dimension of Nigeria’s electoral conversation.
