Leaders and stakeholders of the Accord Party in Osun State have reaffirmed their support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, insisting that the mandate granted to him by party members remains valid and cannot be altered by external political interests.
The declaration was made on Wednesday during a rally in Osogbo attended by party executives, women leaders, youth groups, and grassroots supporters from across the state.
The gathering brought together several longstanding members of the party, including officials who were part of the Accord structure before Governor Ademola Adeleke joined its ranks. They used the occasion to publicly restate their commitment to Olawepo-Hashim’s presidential aspiration and what they described as the collective decision of party members.
Addressing supporters at the rally, Daniel Adedayo, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, said the event was organised to reaffirm confidence in Olawepo-Hashim’s leadership and send a clear signal that party members in Osun remain firmly behind his candidacy.
According to Adedayo, the businessman and political activist possesses the experience, vision, and national appeal required to provide effective leadership for the country.
“Our presence here today is a demonstration of our unwavering support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the Accord Party’s presidential candidate. We believe he represents the kind of leadership Nigeria needs at this critical time, and we are prepared to stand with him throughout the journey,” he said.
The stakeholders also dismissed suggestions that support for Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid in the August 15 governorship election should come at the expense of the party’s presidential project.
They argued that the governorship and presidential elections are distinct political contests and should not be linked.
“Dr. Olawepo-Hashim remains our presidential candidate. The mandate freely given by party members cannot be traded, negotiated, or surrendered. Supporting a governorship candidate does not change our position regarding the presidential ticket,” Adedayo added.
Also speaking at the event, the Accord Party’s Women Leader in Osun State, Rukayat Olanrewaju, described Olawepo-Hashim’s emergence as a reflection of the confidence party members have in his character, leadership qualities, and vision for national development.
She assured supporters that women and grassroots structures across the state would continue mobilising support for his campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
The rally attracted hundreds of supporters, many carrying banners and placards bearing messages of solidarity with the presidential hopeful. Chants and songs in support of Olawepo-Hashim echoed across the venue as attendees reaffirmed their loyalty to what they described as the party’s authentic presidential mandate.
Party stakeholders also called on the national leadership of Accord to uphold the principles of internal democracy and respect the wishes of members nationwide.
They maintained that the mandate conferred on Olawepo-Hashim remains intact and should not be substituted or influenced by external political considerations.
The development comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding the Accord Party’s presidential nomination process, with supporters of Olawepo-Hashim insisting that he remains the validly elected and widely accepted choice of party members ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
