Leaders and longstanding members of the Accord Party in Osun State on Wednesday reaffirmed Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, insisting that the mandate cannot be overridden by external influence.
The declaration was made at a rally in Osogbo attended by party executives, women groups, youth supporters, and grassroots members from across the state. The event was convened by stakeholders who were in the party before Governor Ademola Adeleke joined its ranks.
Speaking on behalf of the party, Daniel Adedayo said the gathering was to formally reaffirm Olawepo-Hashim’s mandate and send a clear message that Accord members in Osun remain behind his presidential aspiration.
According to him, Olawepo-Hashim possesses the vision, experience, and national appeal required to provide the leadership Nigeria needs.
“Our gathering here today is to reaffirm our support for Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate. He is the man Nigerians are waiting for, and we are ready to stand with him all the way,” Adedayo said.
The party leaders rejected suggestions that support for Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid in the August 15 governorship election should translate to abandoning the party’s presidential ambition.
“Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim remains our presidential candidate. Nobody can trade away a mandate freely given by party members. The governorship election and the presidential election are separate matters,” Adedayo declared.
The party’s Women Leader, Rukayat Olanrewaju, said Olawepo-Hashim’s emergence reflected the confidence members have in his leadership, integrity, and vision for a united Nigeria. She added that members in Osun would continue to mobilise grassroots support for his campaign ahead of 2027.
Hundreds of supporters waved banners and placards in support of Olawepo-Hashim, chanting slogans and declaring loyalty to what they described as the party’s authentic presidential mandate.
The stakeholders urged the national leadership of the party to respect the wishes of members and uphold internal democracy, insisting that the mandate given to Olawepo-Hashim cannot be negotiated or surrendered to external political interests.
The rally comes amid controversy over the Accord Party’s presidential nomination process, with supporters maintaining that Olawepo-Hashim remains the validly elected choice of party members nationwide.
