INEC Adds Gbenga Hashim to 2027 Presidential Candidates’ List

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed its readiness to comply with a Federal High Court judgment directing the inclusion of Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, on the final list of candidates for the 2027 presidential election.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday at an event organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), announcing that the number of presidential candidates had increased from 18 to 19.

Amupitan said the commission would abide by the court’s decision on Hashim’s candidacy, following the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 5, 2026.

The court had directed the Accord Party to recognise Hashim as its presidential candidate and submit his name to INEC for inclusion in the list of contenders for the 2027 presidential election.

The development marks a significant step in the dispute over the party’s presidential ticket, with the electoral commission affirming its commitment to implementing the court’s ruling.

Hashim’s inclusion brings the number of presidential candidates to 19, up from the 18 candidates contained in the list published by INEC in September.

The commission is expected to update its official records to reflect the development in accordance with the court judgment.

Speaking at the NOA event, Amupitan described the 2027 general election as potentially the largest democratic exercise on the African continent, noting that its scale would pose significant administrative and logistical challenges.

He cited Nigeria’s more than 103 million registered voters and 176,846 polling units spread across the country’s 774 local government areas as indicators of the magnitude of the exercise.

According to him, the figures highlight the extensive preparations required to ensure the smooth conduct of elections across the country.

The 2027 general elections will cover several elective positions, including the presidency, National Assembly, governorship and State Houses of Assembly.

INEC’s commitment to complying with the court judgment comes as preparations for the elections continue, with the commission expected to manage the electoral process across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The inclusion of Hashim adds another contender to the presidential race as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections.