The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will study a recent Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, which ordered the commission to recognize and upload Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim's name as the Accord Party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, dismissed preliminary objections filed against Hashim's suit and rejected a purported letter relied upon to communicate the cancellation of the party's presidential primary to INEC.
The Federal High Court judgment affirmed Olawepo-Hashim as the presidential candidate of the Accord Party for the 2027 presidential election, based on the party's presidential primary held on May 30, 2026. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission's commitment to complying with all lawful court orders during a World News Conference and National Stakeholders' Meeting, convened to mark 100 days to the 2027 general election.
However, Amupitan noted that the Federal High Court was not the final court on the matter, and the commission would thoroughly review the judgment to assess its implications on electoral operations and timelines. He assured Nigerians that INEC would comply with every lawful order of the court. Amupitan also cautioned against reliance on unverified court documents circulating on social media, emphasizing that the commission acts strictly on authentic, Certified True Copies (CTCs) of judicial rulings.
Amupitan clarified that the scope of recent apex court pronouncements focused on political party eligibility to field candidates rather than individual candidate disqualifications. He noted that INEC remained guided by statutory provisions and established judicial precedent to maintain fairness and administrative compliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The INEC Chairman also discussed the deployment of technology in the 2027 general elections, revealing that the commission would deploy Artificial Intelligence in areas such as electronic transmission, promoting voter education, and tackling disinformation. INEC is partnering with DIA, Microsoft, and Google to protect the integrity of its technology against compromise.
Amupitan further addressed concerns about the participation of underage individuals in the electoral process, citing measures taken by the commission to address the issue, including actions taken during the Osun Governorship election. He identified areas for improvement, including result management and staff welfare.
Amupitan concluded that INEC was open to constructive collaborations and engagements, emphasizing the commission's commitment to improving the electoral process. The commission's efforts aim to stimulate youth participation and ensure the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- INEC will study the Federal High Court judgment on Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim's candidacy before taking further action.
