Former presidential candidate and businessman Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s currency and improve economic conditions if elected president in 2027, promising to restore the naira exchange rate to between N500 and N525 to the United States dollar.
Olawepo-Hashim made the declaration on Thursday while addressing a large gathering of Accord Party supporters in Dawaki, Abuja, who converged to reaffirm their support for his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to supporters, the former presidential candidate criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing to address rising living costs, declining purchasing power and growing unemployment.
According to him, millions of Nigerians continue to face worsening economic hardship, while those in government remain focused on retaining political power rather than addressing the challenges confronting citizens.
He also alleged that government actors were interfering in the affairs of opposition parties, including the Accord Party, the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress, in an attempt to weaken alternative political platforms ahead of future elections.
Olawepo-Hashim warned against actions that could undermine democratic participation, arguing that history had shown that efforts to suppress political competition often fail.
The Accord Party chieftain expressed disappointment with some members of the party leadership over recent disputes concerning his presidential aspiration, insisting that his political involvement was driven by a desire to improve the welfare of Nigerians rather than personal ambition.
He lamented the economic difficulties facing families across the country, particularly the rising cost of education, which he said has placed quality schooling beyond the reach of many households.
According to him, government policies should prioritise economic growth, job creation and expanded educational opportunities to ensure sustainable national development.
Olawepo-Hashim urged supporters to remain peaceful and committed to the democratic process despite the challenges facing the opposition and the nation.
Meanwhile, the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement has defended his emergence as the Accord Party’s presidential candidate, rejecting claims that his nomination remains disputed.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the group maintained that Olawepo-Hashim emerged through a legitimate internal process conducted in accordance with party rules and democratic procedures.
The movement stated that the former presidential candidate joined the Accord Party in March 2026 following consultations with the party leadership and subsequently participated fully in activities leading to the presidential primary.
According to the statement, the party leadership had repeatedly assured members that Accord would field a presidential candidate for the 2027 elections in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
The group alleged that external political interests sought to influence the party’s internal processes in an effort to prevent it from presenting a viable presidential candidate.
It also pointed to internal disputes in other political parties, including the ADC, PDP and Labour Party, arguing that disagreements over party leadership and nominations have become common across the political landscape.
The movement urged party members and supporters to remain calm and united, insisting that Olawepo-Hashim remains the Accord Party’s duly elected presidential candidate.
It added that he remains committed to democratic principles, national unity and presenting what it described as a credible leadership alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
