Former presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has formally announced plans to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Accord Party, declaring that his political network has already begun nationwide mobilisation ahead of the polls.
In a statement released Tuesday through his media team, Olawepo-Hashim said his supporters had intensified grassroots political activities across different parts of the country as part of efforts to strengthen the party before the next general election.
According to him, the movement is focused on building a broad national coalition capable of presenting what he described as a serious alternative to the country’s dominant political blocs.
The former presidential candidate revealed that a significant number of his followers had already aligned with the Accord Party, adding that the ongoing registration and mobilisation drive would continue in the coming months.
He also dismissed recent comments allegedly made by a governor suggesting that the Accord Party would not present a presidential candidate in 2027.
Olawepo-Hashim argued that no politician or public office holder possesses the authority to decide the outcome of a future presidential election, insisting that leadership ultimately rests on the will of Nigerians.
The politician further claimed that some elected officials were making political declarations out of fear of losing influence or relevance within the country’s evolving political landscape.
Without mentioning any governor by name, he suggested that endorsements and public alignments by certain politicians were driven by personal political calculations rather than conviction.
He maintained that attempts to predetermine the outcome of the 2027 election would fail, stressing that power remains in the hands of the electorate.
Olawepo-Hashim said his political agenda would focus on national cohesion, economic recovery, institutional reforms and inclusive governance if elected president.
The businessman and political figure previously contested the presidency in 2019 and has consistently participated in national debates on restructuring, governance reforms and economic development.
In recent months, he has also been linked with consultations and alliance discussions involving opposition politicians seeking new political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Founded in 2006, the Accord Party has participated in several elections across the country, although it has largely remained outside the mainstream political dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
Political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections have continued to gather momentum, with increased consultations, coalition talks and strategic repositioning among opposition figures amid concerns over the nation’s economy, insecurity and governance challenges.
