Court reserves judgment in Olawepo-Hashim’s Accord Party presidential candidacy suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in a lawsuit filed by Accord Party chieftain Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim. He seeks a court order to compel the party to recognize him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election and to submit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Olawepo-Hashim's legal team argued that the party's purported cancellation of the presidential primary was invalid. They challenged the authenticity of documents presented by the party and INEC, particularly a letter claiming the primary's cancellation, which they contended lacked official stamps and proper reception by INEC. The defense also questioned the validity of the party's membership register.

Conversely, the Accord Party's counsel urged the court to dismiss the suit, asserting that the presidential primary was legitimately canceled because no aspirants purchased nomination forms. INEC's counsel supported the party's stance, stating the commission was notified of the cancellation and did not monitor the primary as a result. The court will communicate a date for its judgment.