2027: GBENGA OLAWEPO-HASHIM EMERGES AS THE ONLY MAIN OPPOSITION TO TINUBU, A REFRESHED BRAIN WITH ROBUST POLICY PLAN

As the 2027 general election draws closer, the political space is becoming clearer. While many politicians are recycling old ideas and old quarrels, one name is standing out as the only credible and main opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That name is Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the presidential candidate of the Accord Party.

What makes Hashim different is not noise, but substance. He comes with a refreshed brain, a new thinking and a robust policy plan that speaks directly to the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians. Labour leaders and independent analysts are already saying that Nigerians must look beyond the far right market politicians who all share the same economic ideology. The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, recently noted that Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu all belong to the same economic school, market people from far right, whose policies have continued to punish production and reward importation. Ajaero said he has looked at Gbenga Hashim’s position and found it worthy of serious public attention.

What Nigeria needs now is not another round of devaluation, subsidy removal without plan and IMF prescriptions. What Nigeria needs is a leader with a productive economy agenda built on affordable energy, massive industrialization, domestic refining, increased crude production, job creation and security of lives and property. That is exactly what Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim represents.

Unlike the opportunistic opposition in Kwara and at the national level, who want to eat their cake with the ruling party and still pretend to be opposition, Hashim is not a sekuseye politician. He is not looking for settlement. He is not jumping from one party to another to negotiate personal interest. He is offering a real alternative. In Kwara State, the Accord Party has already declared itself the only real opposition party, warning Kwarans not to waste their votes on a dead PDP and a visionless Rainbow Coalition of opportunists without ideology. With the Federal High Court affirming Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as Accord’s presidential candidate, that same clarity is what he is bringing to the national stage, the only real opposition platform with the courage to tell the government the truth and the competence to do better.

Hashim’s plan is built on clear priorities. First is Energy First, making energy affordable and available to power industries and homes with a realistic plan starting at 605 naira per litre PMS and targeting 200 to 300 naira through domestic refining and efficiency. Second is Production Over Consumption, moving Nigeria from a sharing economy to a producing economy by raising crude production to 4 million barrels per day within 24 months and building industrial clusters. Third is Security and Jobs, linking security to economic justice by engaging the youth productively and securing farms and communities. Fourth is Accountable Governance, a government that listens, cuts waste and puts the people first.

While others are campaigning with insults and old ethnic calculations, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is campaigning with a policy document. He is a refreshed brain in a tired political system. He is not part of the old order that created the current crisis and he is not confused about what to do. For Nigerians who want real change in 2027 and not just a change of faces, the choice is becoming clear. The 2027 election is not between APC and a scattered settlement seeking opposition. It is between the status quo of President Tinubu and the only main, prepared and policy driven opposition, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.

An intelligence-led operation by a combined team of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has killed a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, in Owo Forest, Ondo State.

Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during a surprise operation on their hideout at the weekend.

Security sources said Ohida was planning attacks in some southern states ahead of the Yuletide season.

The sources said Ohida previously served as deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.

Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida reportedly assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions, where he was involved in the planning and coordination of terrorist operations.

The sources said intelligence obtained from the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped the DSS uncover plans by Ohida to attack civilians during the forthcoming festive period and disrupt the 2027 general elections.

One of the sources said the intelligence was also corroborated by intelligence partners in the United Kingdom, who supported the operation that led to Ohida’s elimination.

The source attributed several attacks to Ohida, including the December 31, 2025, invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, where eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly carted away before the station was destroyed with explosives.

He also linked Ohida to the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, which reportedly killed several soldiers, security personnel and civilians.

Other attacks attributed to him include the July 11, 2022, attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja; the April 23, 2022, attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, which killed five police officers; and the February 7, 2022, attack on the Okene Area Command police station.

The source further alleged that Ohida planned and executed the December 24, 2020, attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the deaths of two naval officers.

The source described Ohida’s elimination as a major setback for ISWAP’s operations in central and southern Nigeria.

He said, “We may not immediately realise it, but the elimination of Abdussamad Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria.

“Ohida’s elimination, coming a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, is a very big blow to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria and underscores the growing efficiency of our security services.”

The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), following the union’s recent 14-day ultimatum over unpaid entitlements.

SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the release would help avert an indefinite strike by the university-based union.

Ibrahim commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for his intervention and efforts toward securing the release of the funds. He said the development demonstrated the importance of constructive engagement between the Federal Government and university unions.

SSANU had earlier demanded the payment of outstanding arrears arising from the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement, which took effect from January 1, 2026.

The union, however, said outstanding issues remain, including two months’ withheld salaries from the 2022 industrial action and one-year arrears linked to the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

The abducted prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have regained their freedom after spending days in captivity.

The corps members were reportedly abducted while travelling from Ibadan to their orientation camp in Imo, sparking concerns among their families, authorities and members of the public.

Their release followed intensified efforts by security agencies to locate the victims and secure their safe return. Authorities had earlier confirmed that operatives were closing in on the location where the corps members were being held.

The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camp in the South-East have been released.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, received the confirmation on Wednesday from the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, during a telephone conversation at about 5 p.m.

The confirmation was contained in a statement signed by the Media Aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko.

The development has brought relief to the families and loved ones of the abducted corps members, who had anxiously awaited their safe return.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi, has handed over ₦107 million recovered from a disputed property transaction to a Lagos resident who petitioned the commission over the matter.

According to the EFCC, the petitioner had paid ₦167.575 million in connection with a property transaction but was unable to take possession of the land after a dispute arose over the property. Efforts to either recover his money or secure possession of the property were reportedly unsuccessful.

The petitioner subsequently approached the EFCC through Babatunde Oni SAN & Co., alleging obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy and extortion. Following its investigation, the commission said it recovered ₦107 million, which was returned to the petitioner on September 30, 2026.

The EFCC described the recovery as part of its efforts to protect members of the public from fraudulent transactions and recover funds lost through financial crimes. The commission’s intervention also underscores the risks associated with disputed property transactions and the importance of conducting proper due diligence before making substantial payments for land or other real estate.

The development was disclosed by the EFCC in a statement reported on October 5, 2026, highlighting the commission’s continued recovery of proceeds linked to alleged economic and financial crimes.

There was heavy traffic congestion along the Eleyele Road in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday after a fuel-laden tanker fell and caught fire near Bovaa Filling Station.

The incident reportedly caused panic among motorists and residents in the area as flames engulfed the tanker, forcing vehicles to slow down and seek alternative routes.

Emergency responders are expected to move in to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and facilities, particularly given the presence of a filling station close to the scene.

Motorists using the Eleyele axis are advised to exercise extreme caution and consider alternative routes while efforts are being made to clear the affected section of the road.

The cause of the accident and whether there were casualties or property damage could not immediately be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, with 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda on Monday while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently activated search and rescue operations.

Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of those on board, the Chief of the Air Staff and the entire Nigerian Air Force community. The President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and said the sacrifices of military personnel serving the country would not be forgotten.

The President also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future. He commended the Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.

Earlier, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that the aircraft’s wreckage had been located and that rescue operations were ongoing. Reports initially said the condition of those aboard had not been officially established, while later reports citing the President’s statement indicated that the occupants were being mourned as victims.

The Alago Oja of Oja Kingdom has declared that nobody dethroned him as the traditional ruler of the kingdom, insisting that he remains the rightful occupant of the stool. The monarch made the declaration alongside his legal counsel while addressing issues surrounding the traditional institution and recent developments in Oyo State.

The Alago Oja also claimed ownership of Agodoyo, stating that the historic land was under his authority before he granted part of the land to Atiba to settle after the destruction of Oyo-Ile by the Fulani. He maintained that the historical relationship between Oja and the old Oyo Empire remains an important part of the kingdom’s identity.

The monarch expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for inducting his name into the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. He described the recognition as significant and said it would further strengthen the role of the traditional institution in promoting peace and development across the state.

The Alago Oja stressed that his priority is not conflict but peace, unity and development. He said he is committed to working with relevant stakeholders and traditional rulers to foster harmony among communities and contribute positively to the progress of Oyo State.

He therefore called on all parties involved in matters concerning the traditional institution to embrace dialogue and mutual understanding, stressing that the people of Oja Kingdom and Oyo State at large deserve peace and unity.

•Orders party to upload name on INEC portal
•Hashim calls for reconciliation

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has affirmed Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the presidential candidate of the Accord Party for the 2027 presidential election.

The court’s declaration, on Monday, brings a major legal dispute over the party’s presidential ticket to a decisive conclusion.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in his judgment, dismissed the preliminary objections filed against Hashim’s suit and rejected the purported letter relied upon to communicate the cancellation of the party’s presidential primary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The court also ordered the Accord Party to upload Hashim’s name to INEC as its presidential candidate, effectively recognising his emergence from the party’s presidential primary held on May 30, 2026.

Hashim had approached the court seeking recognition as the duly nominated presidential candidate of Accord Party, where he maintained that he was the sole aspirant and winner of the May 30, 2026 primary.

His case was argued by Henry Akunebu, SAN; who urged the court to compel the party to recognise Hashim and forward his name to INEC.

Akunebu had challenged the validity and evidential value of documents relied upon to dispute Hashim’s emergence, particularly a purported letter notifying INEC of the cancellation of the presidential primary.

He argued that the alleged cancellation letter lacked the party’s official stamp and imprimatur and questioned the circumstances surrounding its receipt by INEC.

Accord’s position was represented by T.W. Olusesi, who maintained that the presidential primary had been cancelled and that no valid primary produced Hashim as the party’s candidate.

Counsel for INEC, D.J. Gusen, similarly argued that the commission did not monitor the purported primary because it had received notification that the exercise had been cancelled.

Justice Umar, however, dismissed the preliminary objections and rejected the purported cancellation letter, paving the way for the court to recognise the outcome of the May 30 primary.

The judgment follows months of legal contest over the Accord Party presidential ticket and the party’s failure to submit Hashim’s name to INEC despite his claim that he had emerged as the winner of the primary.

Hashim had argued that the party’s refusal to upload his name violated the Constitution, Electoral Act 2026 and relevant INEC regulations and guidelines governing the nomination of political party candidates.

In his originating summons, he asked the court to determine whether Accord Party could validly refuse to upload his name to INEC’s nomination portal after the conduct of a primary in which he emerged as the winner.

He had also sought, in the alternative, an order directing the party to conduct a fresh presidential primary in which he would be allowed to participate.

Hashim maintained throughout the proceedings that he was a registered and financially compliant member of Accord Party, had paid the prescribed ₦50 million presidential nomination fee and contributed ₦7 million towards the party’s electronic membership registration programme.

He also maintained that INEC officials monitored the May 30 primary at which he emerged as the sole aspirant.

In his reaction to the ruling, Hashim dedicated the victory to God and called for reconciliation among stakeholders and party members.

“I give God the Glory for this victory, I dedicate the victory also to all stakeholders and our dear party members and my hardworking legal team .We are grateful to tthe Judiciary that has done justice on this matter.

“We won’t leave anybody behind…We should all come together and work for the party’s victory in the January 16, 2027 presidential election and all other elections .The march to a New Nigeria has started …” said Hashim.

The order provides a judicial resolution to the immediate dispute over the party’s presidential nomination and places Hashim’s candidacy on the official electoral process.

Several people are feared dead after a military helicopter crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday morning.

The aircraft reportedly came down in a swampy area opposite the Nigerian Navy facility in the coastal community, triggering panic among residents. Emergency and security personnel have since mobilised to the area to assess the situation and commence rescue efforts.

The Nigerian Air Force has now confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the force and was on a routine mission when it crashed. The NAF said a rescue operation was underway, although details of those on board and the extent of casualties were still being established.

The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the crash, urging residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information while authorities establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

As of the time of filing this report, the identities of those on board and the confirmed number of casualties had not been officially released. Authorities are expected to provide further information as rescue and assessment operations continue.