Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged party stakeholders and supporters in Osun State to close ranks, remain loyal and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Hashim made the call after receiving the report of a seven-member committee of Accord stakeholders in the state, which had consulted widely and briefed him on recent political developments and the state of the party.
He urged party members to reject anti-party activities, stressing that the future of Accord in Osun would be determined by the loyalty and commitment of its members rather than the actions of individuals.
Hashim accused Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of acting against the interests of the Accord Party, describing his recent political decisions as a betrayal of the party.
However, he said he would not respond by engaging in actions capable of undermining Accord’s electoral prospects in the state.
“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.
The Accord presidential candidate said his approach was guided by principle, faith and democratic values rather than bitterness or a desire for political revenge.
“I am a Christian. The Bible teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord. I have no reason to pursue political revenge,” he added.
Hashim urged Accord members across Osun not to lose faith in the party because of the actions of a few individuals, maintaining that its ideals and future were bigger than any single personality.
He also suggested that the Adeleke family could be facing pressures that were not fully known to the public, saying such circumstances might have influenced some of its recent political decisions.
“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 said.
Hashim further reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Accord in Osun State and across the country, while appreciating party members, elders and stakeholders who had remained loyal despite political pressures.
“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.
He assured party supporters that their efforts would not be wasted, stressing that the future of Accord depended on members who remained committed to its principles.
“The Accord Party belongs to its members. Its future would be determined by the loyalty, commitment and hard work of those who believe in its ideals. I urge every supporter in Osun to remain focused, united and mobilised for victory,” Hashim said.
The Accord presidential candidate also called on President Tinubu to ensure a level playing field ahead of the Osun governorship election, describing the poll as a significant test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Osun State election is the major off-season election before 2027. What happens would tell everyone what INEC and Nigerian security forces plan to do in 2027. The world is watching,” he said.
Hashim’s comments come amid disagreements between his supporters and Governor Adeleke over the governor’s repeated endorsement of President Tinubu, who belongs to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).
