INEC Joins Presidential Aspirant’s Suit against Accord

Alex Enumah in Abuja

A Federal High Court in Abuja, has adjourned to today, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, for substantive hearing in the suit filed by a presidential aspirant of the Accord Party.

Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned hearing in the suit following request by the plaintiff to respond to court processes filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The plaintiff, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, by the suit is seeking an order compelling the Accord Party to recognise him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election and also forward his name to the electoral umpire.

When the matter was called, Olawepo-Hashim’s lawyer, Henry Akunebu, SAN, told the court that he has just been served with the replies of INEC and would need some time to study them and respond accordingly.

Justice Umar granted the request and adjourned the matter to today.

The proceedings drew hundreds of Accord Party members and supporters to the court complex, who surrounded Olawepo-Hashim on arrival and remained at the venue throughout the hearing.

Although he did not address the gathering, the turnout underscored the level of grassroots support for his bid to reclaim what he maintained was the presidential mandate he validly secured at the party’s May 30, 2026, primary election.

Hashim, who named Accord Party and INEC as first and second defendants in an Originating Summons, is asking the court to determine whether the party’s failure to upload his name to INEC’s nomination portal  despite his emergence as sole winner of the May 30 primary violates the Electoral Act 2026, the Constitution, and INEC’s guidelines for political parties.