Accord Party Dumps Olawepo-Hashim, Refunds ₦50m Nomination Fee

The party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbuden, in a statement issued in Abuja, clarified that the purported exercise which allegedly produced Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s flagbearer was neither authorised nor recognised by the national leadership.

He explained that what was described as a presidential primary was merely a gathering organised by supporters of the aspirant and should not be mistaken for an official party process.

Mgbuden maintained that the Accord Party did not field any valid presidential aspirant within the stipulated timeframe outlined in its guidelines and timetable submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that while nomination forms were purchased for other elective positions, no candidate completed the required process for the presidency within the approved schedule.

The party further revealed that Olawepo-Hashim only formally expressed interest in the presidential ticket in a letter dated May 26, 2026, after the expiration of the deadline for submission and screening of aspirants.

It added that the electoral umpire had already been notified of the cancellation of the party’s presidential primary.

The leadership also confirmed that it received a total of ₦50 million from Olawepo-Hashim, comprising ₦10 million for expression of interest and ₦40 million for nomination forms, but said the payments were made after the expiration of the party’s official timeline.

According to the party, the funds were subsequently reversed to the originating account in line with its commitment to transparency and due process.

Accord Party also rejected claims that Olawepo-Hashim should automatically become its candidate due to a lack of competition, insisting that compliance with nomination procedures remains compulsory regardless of the number of aspirants.

The party disclosed that it had formally communicated its position to him in a letter dated May 31, explaining that his submissions could not be processed as they fell outside the approved timeframe.

It concluded that the Accord Party currently has no presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, although it has already fielded candidates for governorship and legislative positions.