Olawepo-Hashim Promises Improved Naira-to-Dollar Exchange Rate, as Massive Crowd Converges on Abuja

Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has promised to restore the Nigerian naira's value, aiming for an exchange rate between N500 and N525 to the US dollar should he be elected president in 2027. This pledge came as thousands of Accord Party supporters gathered in Abuja to show their loyalty.

Addressing the large crowd, Olawepo-Hashim thanked supporters for their resilience during the Accord Party's primary elections. He launched a strong critique of the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing to manage the nation's economy effectively. He highlighted the deteriorating economic conditions, including rising living costs, declining purchasing power, and increasing unemployment, which he said are deepening the suffering of ordinary Nigerian families.

Olawepo-Hashim alleged that the ruling party is more focused on maintaining political power than addressing the critical needs of the populace. He further claimed that elements within the government are interfering in the internal affairs of opposition parties, such as the Accord Party, to weaken them before future elections. He warned that such actions to limit democratic participation and competition could have severe repercussions, citing historical examples where leaders clinging to power faced public rejection.

In a related development, the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement expressed concern over alleged external interference in the Accord Party's presidential nomination process. The group insists that Olawepo-Hashim is the party's legitimate candidate for the 2027 elections, dismissing recent statements from some Accord Party leaders questioning his nomination as unfounded and contrary to established democratic procedures within the party. Olawepo-Hashim also voiced disappointment with certain party leaders, questioning the integrity and transparency of the process based on their recent public statements.