A growing number of former members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Kano, Jigawa and Katsina States, have declared support for the Accord Party and the presidential aspiration of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim for the 2027 general election.

The declarations were made during separate mobilisation meetings held across the three states, where political leaders, grassroots mobilisers, women leaders and youth stakeholders pledged their commitment to building support for Hashim’s candidacy.

The stakeholders said their decision was informed by widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of governance, rising economic hardship, persistent insecurity and what they described as a growing disconnect between the government and ordinary Nigerians.

According to them, having worked actively for the APC in previous elections, they now believe Nigeria requires a fresh political direction and a leadership alternative capable of addressing the nation’s challenges.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, Mallam Goje Bashir, a former APC stakeholder, who defected to the Accord Party, alongside hundreds of supporters, said many party faithful had become disillusioned with the current administration.

“I was an APC member, but President Tinubu has failed Nigeria. I am now openly declaring support for Dr. Gbenga Hashim of the Accord Party,” he said.

Bashir described Hashim as a leader with the capacity to unite Nigerians and provide a credible alternative to the existing political order. “The people of Kano and the entire North will queue behind him in 2027,” he added.

Also speaking, Hajia Rabi Fagge, a former APC chieftain, said a political realignment was already underway across northern Nigeria as citizens seek leadership focused on accountability, development and national renewal.

“Northern Nigeria will deliver victory for Gbenga Hashim in 2027 to rescue ordinary Nigerians,” she stated. Similar sentiments were expressed by stakeholders in Jigawa and Katsina States, who said Nigerians were increasingly looking for leaders capable of restoring security, rebuilding the economy and improving citizens’ welfare.

Hashim Progressive Movement Women Leader, Ambassador Aisha Ibrahim, said the region that played a significant role in the 2023 elections was now preparing for another major political shift.

“We promised to deliver Tinubu in 2023 and we did. We are now promising to deliver Gbenga Hashim in 2027 and by the grace of God, we will deliver,” she said.

Jigawa State Coordinator, Abdulrasheed Ali, who led mobilisation efforts across the state’s 27 local government areas, described Hashim as a leader of integrity and credibility.

“Nigeria needs truthful leaders and Gbenga Hashim represents that vision,” he said.

In Katsina, Coordinator Muhammad Abdullahi expressed confidence in Hashim’s growing appeal among voters searching for an alternative political platform.

He said public sentiment had shifted considerably due to prevailing economic realities and hardship faced by many Nigerians.

“When we say ‘Sai Hashim,’ the response will be ‘Sabo Nigeria,’ a New Nigeria,” he declared.

Representatives of Dr. Hashim, led by Abdulrazaq Hamzat and accompanied by the FCT coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Mallam Abubakar Kana, described the endorsements as further evidence of growing cross-party support for Hashim’s message of democratic renewal, accountability and inclusive governance.

They said the movement remains open to Nigerians from all political backgrounds, who believe the country requires a new direction and pledged to continue building grassroots structures across the federation.

According to them, Hashim’s political agenda is centred on national rebuilding, economic recovery, security, job creation and improving the welfare of ordinary citizens.

The latest wave of defections and endorsements is expected to strengthen the Accord Party’s grassroots expansion efforts in Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states, with supporters pledging to deepen mobilisation efforts at ward and local government levels ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers note that the North-West remains one of Nigeria’s most influential electoral blocs, making any significant political movement within the region potentially consequential for future national elections.

Observers also point to Dr. Hashim’s historical connection to the region through his late father, who hailed from Yauri in Kebbi State and was widely regarded as an influential northern prince, a factor some supporters believe could further enhance his appeal across parts of the North West. (The Sun)

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