2027 Shake-Up: Northern APC Stakeholders Desert, Endorse Olawepo-Hashim

A significant political realignment is underway in Nigeria, as a growing number of former members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states have openly declared their support for the Accord Party and the presidential aspiration of Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, ahead of the 2027 general elections. These declarations were formally made during a series of mobilisation meetings held across the three North-Western states, where influential political leaders, dedicated grassroots mobilisers, dedicated women leaders, and active youth stakeholders collectively pledged their allegiance and support for Hashim’s candidacy.

The stakeholders articulated their decision, stating it was primarily driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of governance, the persistent rise in economic hardship, the continuous challenge of insecurity across the nation, and what they critically described as a growing disconnect between the government and the ordinary Nigerian populace. Many of these individuals had actively campaigned and worked for the APC in previous elections. However, they now firmly believe that Nigeria is in dire need of a fresh political direction and a viable leadership alternative, one capable of effectively addressing the complex and multifarious challenges currently facing the nation.

During a pivotal stakeholders’ meeting held in Kano, Mallam Goje Bashir, a prominent former APC stakeholder who has since defected to the Accord Party along with hundreds of his supporters, expressed profound disillusionment with the current administration. He stated, “I was an APC member, but President Tinubu has failed Nigeria. I am now openly declaring support for Dr Gbenga Hashim of the Accord Party.” Bashir further described Hashim as a leader possessing the essential capacity to unite Nigerians and offer a credible alternative to the existing political order, confidently adding, “The people of Kano and the entire North will queue behind him in 2027.” Echoing similar sentiments, Rabi Fagge, another former APC chieftain, affirmed that a major political realignment is already in motion across northern Nigeria, as citizens actively seek leadership that prioritizes accountability, fosters development, and is committed to national renewal. She boldly declared, “Northern Nigeria will deliver victory for Gbenga Hashim in 2027 to rescue ordinary Nigerians.”

Stakeholders in Jigawa and Katsina states reiterated these sentiments, emphasizing that Nigerians are increasingly searching for leaders who can restore security, rebuild the faltering economy, and significantly improve citizens’ welfare. Ambassador Aisha Ibrahim, the Women Leader of the Hashim Progressive Movement, highlighted the region's historical political influence, noting that it played a crucial role in the 2023 elections and is now preparing for another monumental political shift. She stated with conviction, “We promised to deliver Tinubu in 2023, and we did. We are now promising to deliver Gbenga Hashim in 2027, and by the grace of God, we will deliver.”

Hon. Abdulrasheed Ali, the Jigawa State Coordinator, who has spearheaded extensive mobilisation efforts across all 27 local government areas of the state, lauded Hashim as a leader of unquestionable integrity and credibility. Similarly, Muhammad Abdullahi, the Katsina State Coordinator, expressed strong confidence in Hashim’s burgeoning appeal among voters who are actively seeking an alternative political platform. He attributed this shift in public sentiment to the prevailing economic realities and the severe hardship that many Nigerians are currently enduring.

Representatives of Dr. Hashim, led by Abdulrazaq Hamzat and accompanied by Mallam Abubakar Kana, the FCT Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, characterized these endorsements as further compelling evidence of growing cross-party support for Hashim’s overarching message of democratic renewal, accountability, and truly inclusive governance. They affirmed that the movement warmly welcomes Nigerians from all political backgrounds who share the belief that the country urgently requires a new direction, and they pledged to continue meticulously building grassroots structures across the entire federation. According to them, Hashim’s comprehensive political agenda is meticulously centred on national rebuilding, robust economic recovery, enhanced security, widespread job creation, and a tangible improvement in the welfare of ordinary citizens.

This latest wave of defections and endorsements is widely expected to significantly strengthen the Accord Party’s grassroots expansion efforts in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States. Supporters have explicitly pledged to intensify mobilisation efforts at both ward and local government levels, strategically preparing for the 2027 elections. Political observers have noted the profound significance of these developments, as the North-West remains one of Nigeria’s most influential electoral blocs, making any substantial political movement within the region potentially consequential for future national elections.