INEC Shocks Nation: Gbenga Hashim Becomes 19th Presidential Hopeful for 2027 Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the addition of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of the Accord Party to the final list of candidates for the 2027 presidential election.

This decision was confirmed by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during an event in Abuja.

Amupitan stated that the Commission will fully comply with the Federal High Court judgment that mandated Hashim's inclusion, consequently expanding the presidential field to 19 candidates.

The inclusion of Dr. Hashim follows an October 5, 2026 judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the Accord Party to recognize him as its presidential candidate and to submit his name to INEC.

This judicial intervention resolved an internal conflict within the party regarding its presidential ticket, which had persisted for several months. INEC will update its official records to reflect this court order, moving from the previously published 18 presidential candidates to 19.

In broader discussions about the upcoming general elections, the INEC Chairman described the 2027 polls as potentially the largest democratic exercise in Africa and one of the most logistically complex operations globally.

He highlighted the immense scale of the undertaking, involving over 103 million registered voters, 176,846 polling units, and 774 local government areas.

The elections will encompass presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly contests, necessitating a comprehensive and meticulous approach by the Commission, which is expected to publish an updated final list to formally include Hashim.

Meanwhile, a separate issue drawing public attention involves the reported appointment of Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi to lead INEC's Electoral Operations Department.

The Human rights lawyer, Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, publicly questioned this appointment on October 18, responding to concerns initially raised by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) regarding recent redeployments within the Commission.

Odinkalu's post on X, noting that "@SegunShowunmi’s wife is now in charge of electoral operations in @inecnigeria? It is becoming clearer…!", has brought scrutiny to the political connections associated with a key INEC posting ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeyemi-Showunmi's husband, Segun Showunmi, is a notable political commentator and previously served as spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar's 2019 presidential campaign. He has since publicly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election aspirations.

This political affiliation has prompted questions regarding his wife's appointment, though it is crucial to note that neither the marriage itself nor Showunmi’s political stance inherently compromises his wife or indicates any intended favoritism by INEC.

Nevertheless, observers emphasize the importance of INEC providing a clear explanation for the decision, demonstrating that it was based on professional qualifications, and outlining measures to insulate its officials from personal or political interests.

Reports indicate that Adeyemi-Showunmi was transferred from her previous position as Administrative Secretary of INEC’s Lagos office to head the crucial Electoral Operations Department at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

She replaced Isah Magaji Gummi, who was reportedly redeployed to the Voter Registry department.

The Electoral Operations Department plays a pivotal role in the election process, overseeing critical aspects such as the planning and distribution of election materials, the recruitment and training of ad hoc personnel, the organization of polling arrangements, and the coordination of collation and returning officers.

While the director of this department cannot unilaterally determine election outcomes, the position carries significant operational responsibility, making the rationale behind any changes or appointments a legitimate subject for public scrutiny and transparency.