The Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged members and supporters of the party in Osun State to remain united, reject anti-party activities and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the state’s forthcoming governorship election.
Hashim made the appeal after receiving the report of a seven-member committee of Accord Party stakeholders in Osun State, which reviewed recent political developments and assessed the state of the party following consultations with members across the state.
He stressed that the future of the Accord Party in Osun would be determined by the loyalty, commitment and hard work of its members rather than the actions of a few individuals.
Commenting on recent political developments, Hashim described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s actions as a betrayal of the Accord Party but insisted he would not retaliate by engaging in activities capable of undermining the party’s electoral chances.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has obviously acted as a disloyal party man, but I will not respond by engaging in anti-party activities in Osun. Two wrongs do not make a right,” he said.
Hashim noted that his political decisions are guided by democratic principles, faith and personal conviction rather than bitterness or revenge.
“I am a Christian. The Bible teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord. I have no reason to pursue political revenge,” he stated.
He appealed to Accord members not to lose confidence in the party because of the actions of a few individuals, maintaining that the party’s ideals and future are greater than any single personality.
The Accord presidential candidate also suggested that the Adeleke family’s recent political decisions may have been influenced by circumstances unknown to many Nigerians.
“The Adeleke family is under pressure that many people do not understand. I understand some of those realities and that is why I have chosen to exercise restraint in my political response. Sometimes politicians take decisions that appear illogical.
“Supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite the political pressure the APC has mounted against them is one such example. I am not angry with them; I pity them,” he added.
Hashim reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Accord Party in Osun State and across the country, urging members to remain focused on securing victory through sustained grassroots mobilisation.
He also commended party elders, stakeholders and supporters in Osun for standing by the party despite what he described as prevailing political pressure.
“I sincerely appreciate every Accord member, elder and stakeholder in Osun State who has stood firmly with our party and our presidential agenda. Your loyalty, sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten or taken for granted,” he said.
Assuring members that their efforts would yield results, Hashim reiterated that the party’s future rests in the hands of committed members who believe in its ideals.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a level playing field during the Osun governorship election, describing it as a crucial test for Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Osun State election is the major off-season election before 2027. What happens there will show Nigerians and the international community what INEC and the security agencies intend to do in 2027. The world is watching,” he said.
The statement comes amid lingering disagreements between supporters of Hashim and Governor Ademola Adeleke over the governor’s repeated endorsement of President Tinubu, who belongs to a rival political party.