The Presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has described the forthcoming governorship poll as an Osun election test that will reveal how INEC and security agencies may conduct the 2027 general election.
According to Vanguard, Olawepo-Hashim urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a level playing field and protect the credibility of the electoral process.
He said the Osun election was the most significant off-season poll before the 2027 general election. Its conduct, he added, would provide Nigerians with an indication of what to expect from electoral officials and security agencies.
“Osun State election is the major off-season election before 2027. What happens would tell everyone what INEC and Nigeria security forces plan to do in 2027. The world is watching,” he said.
Olawepo-Hashim called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain impartial and ensure that every political party received fair treatment.
He also urged security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and party representatives without favouring any candidate.
Osun election test for national institutions
Olawepo-Hashim made the remarks after receiving the report of a seven-member committee of Accord Party stakeholders in Osun State.
The committee consulted party leaders and members on recent political developments before briefing him on the internal condition of the party.
He said the conduct of the election would either strengthen or weaken public confidence in the institutions responsible for managing the 2027 polls.
According to him, a peaceful and transparent contest would reassure Nigerians that their votes could count. However, any attempt to manipulate the process could deepen existing concerns about the country’s electoral system.
Olawepo-Hashim therefore appealed to Tinubu to use his position to support a free, fair and credible election.
He maintained that the President must allow all political parties to campaign and participate without intimidation or interference.
Accord Party faces internal divisions
The Accord Party candidate also addressed divisions within the party ahead of the governorship election.
He accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of acting disloyally towards the party but said he would not respond by supporting anti-party activities.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has obviously acted as a disloyal party man, but I will not respond by engaging in anti-party activities in Osun,” he said.
“Two wrongs do not make a right.”
Olawepo-Hashim said bitterness and political retaliation would only deepen the crisis within the party and weaken its chances at the poll.
He explained that his decisions would continue to reflect democratic principles, personal conviction and his Christian faith.
“I am a Christian. The Bible teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord. I have no reason to pursue political revenge,” he added.
The politician urged his supporters not to allow their disagreement with Adeleke to push them into working against Accord.
He said the party remained bigger than the actions of individual politicians and must be protected by members who believed in its ideals.
Hashim suggests Adeleke faces pressure
Olawepo-Hashim also suggested that political pressures unknown to the public may have influenced the recent decisions of Adeleke and his family.
He said his understanding of those circumstances influenced his decision to exercise restraint instead of escalating the dispute.
“The Adeleke family is under pressure that many people do not understand,” he said.
“I understand some of those realities, and that is why I have chosen to exercise restraint in my political response.”
He described Adeleke’s support for Tinubu as one of the political decisions that appeared difficult to understand from the outside.
The governor has repeatedly endorsed the President despite tensions between his political interests and those of some Accord Party members.
Olawepo-Hashim said political leaders sometimes made decisions that appeared illogical because of private circumstances or pressures.
“Supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite the political pressure the APC has mounted against them is one such example,” he said.
“I am not angry with them; I pity them.”
Members urged to reject anti-party activities
Despite his criticism of the governor, Olawepo-Hashim urged party members to remain united and avoid actions that could undermine Accord’s chances.
He called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and engage voters across communities in Osun State.
The candidate said the party’s electoral strength would depend on the commitment of its members rather than the actions of a few prominent individuals.
“The Accord Party belongs to its members. Its future would be determined by the loyalty, commitment and hard work of those who believe in its ideals,” he said.
He encouraged party leaders to resolve their differences and focus on communicating Accord’s programmes to the electorate.
According to him, internal disputes should not distract members from building a stronger political organisation ahead of the election.
Olawepo-Hashim warned that anti-party activities could divide supporters and hand an advantage to rival political groups.
He urged members to remain disciplined, focused and committed to the party’s success.
Hashim appreciates loyal supporters
Olawepo-Hashim thanked Accord elders, stakeholders and members who had remained loyal despite the disagreements within the party.
He assured them that their sacrifices and commitment would not be forgotten.
“I sincerely appreciate every Accord member, elder and stakeholder in Osun State who has stood firmly with our party and our presidential agenda,” he said.
“Your loyalty, sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten or taken for granted.”
He expressed confidence that loyal members could rebuild the party and strengthen its presence across Osun and other parts of the country.
The candidate said the future of Accord rested with people who remained committed to its values despite political pressure.
“I urge every supporter in Osun to remain focused, united and mobilised for victory,” he added.
The latest intervention comes amid growing tension within the party over Adeleke’s repeated support for Tinubu.
Olawepo-Hashim’s supporters believe the governor’s position could weaken the party’s wider political plans ahead of the 2027 general election.
However, the Accord candidate maintained that members should avoid retaliation and concentrate on winning the forthcoming governorship election.
The Osun poll will now serve as a major test of the party’s internal unity and the credibility of INEC and security agencies ahead of 2027.
