The Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in a suit filed by Accord Party chieftain Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim seeking recognition as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Justice Mohammed Umar fixed judgment for a date to be communicated after parties adopted their final written addresses.
Olawepo-Hashim, through his counsel, Henry Akunebu, urged the court to compel the Accord Party to upload his name to INEC’s nomination portal and direct the electoral commission to recognise his candidacy.
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The plaintiff argued that he emerged as the sole winner of the party’s May 30 presidential primary and challenged documents presented by the party and INEC, including a letter said to have cancelled the exercise.
He also questioned the admissibility of the party’s electronic membership register and maintained that no valid cancellation of the primary took place.
However, Accord Party’s counsel, T.W. Olusesi, asked the court to dismiss the suit, insisting the presidential primary had been cancelled after no aspirant fulfilled the requirements to contest.
INEC also urged the court to dismiss the case, stating that it did not monitor any primary because it had been officially notified of its cancellation.
Olawepo-Hashim is seeking an order compelling the party to submit his name to INEC or, alternatively, direct the Accord Party to conduct a fresh presidential primary.
