Presidential Poll: Court reserves judgment in Olawepo-Hashim’s suit against INEC

The Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved its judgment on a lawsuit filed by Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who seeks recognition as the presidential candidate for the Accord Party in the 2027 general election. The court's decision is pending after all parties presented their final arguments.

Olawepo-Hashim, represented by senior advocate Henry Akunebu, urged the court to compel the Accord Party to submit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the recognized presidential candidate. He challenged the validity of documents presented by the party and INEC, particularly a letter purportedly canceling the primary election that nominated him. Olawepo-Hashim argued these documents lacked official stamps and were improperly addressed, suggesting they were fabricated to prevent his candidacy.

He further contested the authenticity of a computer-generated membership register submitted as evidence, claiming it lacked the required certificate of compliance. Olawepo-Hashim asserted that the party never officially canceled the primary election. However, both INEC and the Accord Party urged the court to dismiss the suit. The Accord Party, through its lawyer T.W. Olusesi, maintained that the primaries were validly canceled because no candidates participated or purchased nomination forms. INEC's legal team, led by D.J. Gusen, echoed this, stating the commission did not monitor the primaries because they had already been canceled by the party. Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case, with the judgment date to be communicated later.