2027: Olawepo-Hashim’s Presidential Bid Gains Support from Veteran Kwara Politician

As political calculations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election gradually begin to take shape, a notable endorsement has emerged from Kwara State.

Veteran politician and longtime associate of the late political icon, Olusola Saraki, Chief Oba Ajara, has thrown his weight behind the presidential ambition of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.

The endorsement, coming nearly two years before the next presidential election, has sparked fresh conversations about possible political realignments within Kwara and beyond. More significantly, it signals the determination of smaller political blocs to position themselves as alternatives to Nigeria’s dominant parties.

Oba Ajara, a 90-year-old politician with more than six decades of experience in Nigeria’s political landscape, announced his support during a gathering attended by political leaders and stakeholders from across Kwara Central.

According to a statement released by Olawepo-Hashim’s media team, Ajara described the former presidential candidate as a leader capable of steering Nigeria through its current political and economic challenges.

Drawing from his years in public life, the elder statesman said he believes Olawepo-Hashim possesses the courage, consistency and leadership qualities required to address the nation’s problems.

Ajara argued that Nigeria is facing a crisis of effective opposition politics, claiming that many opposition figures have failed in their constitutional role of holding government accountable. According to him, the weakening of opposition voices has reduced democratic engagement and limited meaningful scrutiny of those in power.

He maintained that Olawepo-Hashim stands out among opposition politicians because of what he described as his consistency and commitment to challenging injustice and political exclusion.

The veteran politician also declared that the Accord Party would serve as the political platform through which Olawepo-Hashim would pursue his presidential ambition in 2027.

In a further indication of early political mobilization, Ajara urged supporters, party loyalists and political stakeholders across Kwara State and other parts of the country to unite behind the party. He described the movement as the foundation of a broader national coalition that could reshape the political conversation ahead of the next election cycle.

Responding to the endorsement, Olawepo-Hashim expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him. He described the support as both an honour and a responsibility, pledging to intensify efforts toward building a nationwide political movement.

The presidential hopeful said his vision for Nigeria is anchored on economic recovery, national unity, social justice and democratic renewal. He reiterated his commitment to pursuing policies that would strengthen institutions, improve governance and create opportunities for citizens.

While endorsements this early in the electoral cycle do not necessarily determine electoral outcomes, they often provide clues about emerging alliances and political strategies.

Kwara State has historically played an influential role in Nigeria’s political landscape, largely due to the enduring legacy of the Saraki political dynasty. Any endorsement coming from individuals associated with that tradition is likely to attract attention, particularly as politicians begin positioning themselves for 2027.

The development also reflects growing efforts by smaller political parties to establish relevance ahead of the next election. With public concerns over economic hardship, governance challenges and political representation continuing to dominate national discourse, alternative political platforms are expected to intensify campaigns aimed at attracting voters dissatisfied with the mainstream parties.

For Olawepo-Hashim, the endorsement offers more than symbolic value. It provides an opportunity to expand his support base and strengthen grassroots structures as political activity gradually accelerates toward the next presidential contest.

The endorsement of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim by veteran Kwara politician Oba Ajara adds an intriguing dimension to the early race for 2027. Although the election remains some distance away, the move highlights the quiet political manoeuvring already underway across the country.

Whether the support translates into a broader political movement remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that conversations about Nigeria’s next leadership chapter have begun earlier than many expected, and new alliances are already starting to emerge from unexpected quarters.