…says defections intensified after INEC’s upload of Gbenga Hashim’s name on presidential ballot
The Kwara State Publicity Secretary of the Accord Party, Olamilekan Esinrogunjo, has said the party is attracting members and supporters from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in increasing numbers, with the trend intensifying following the appearance of its presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) candidate portal.
Esinrogunjo said the development had generated renewed interest in Accord among political stakeholders and supporters in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the confirmation of Hashim’s name on the INEC portal has strengthened the party’s visibility and reinforced its position as a platform through which voters dissatisfied with the established political parties can pursue an alternative.
He attributed the growing interest in Accord to a combination of factors, including economic hardship, insecurity, dissatisfaction with governance and renewed attention to Hashim’s presidential ambition.
Esinrogunjo said the party was receiving interest from people across different political affiliations, particularly APC and PDP members seeking what he described as a more credible alternative.
He maintained that the movement of supporters into Accord was not limited to political elites, arguing that the party’s message of economic revival, security reform and accountable governance was also attracting grassroots interest.
The Accord spokesman said the party intended to build on the development by expanding its grassroots structures and engaging communities across the state.
He added that Hashim’s appearance on the INEC portal had provided a fresh focal point for the party’s mobilisation, giving supporters greater clarity about its presidential candidacy as preparations for the election continue.
Esinrogunjo, however, said Accord’s ambition extended beyond attracting defectors, stressing that the party would seek to build lasting public confidence through its policy proposals, candidates and engagement with voters.
He urged Nigerians dissatisfied with the direction of the country to examine Accord’s programme and the agenda being advanced by its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
