Accord Party’s presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has warned that 3.68 million Nigerians remain internally displaced, urging international aid and the release of activist Maisango.
Key Takeaways
- UNHCR estimates 3.68 million Nigerians are internally displaced as of Oct 2026
- Olawepo‑Hashim links persecution to both religious and ethnic identities, citing Shia, minority Islamic sects and Hausa groups
- Bandit attacks in Kebbi’s Shanga LGA burned 11 villages and displaced multiple communities in April 2026
- The candidate calls for international aid, protection and the release of detained activist Maisango
- His appeal is timed ahead of the 2027 presidential election, framing humanitarian issues as a political priority
Scale of Displacement Across Nigeria
The Accord Party chieftain cited United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees data that puts the internally displaced population at roughly 3.68 million as of October 2026. He stressed that the figure cuts across the country’s north‑south divide, affecting both rural and urban communities. The numbers, he argued, demand a coordinated humanitarian response beyond ad‑hoc relief.
Religious and Ethnic Persecution Extends Beyond Christian‑Muslim Divide
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Speaking to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, Olawepo‑Hashim highlighted persecution faced by Shia Muslims, minority Islamic sects and certain Hausa Muslim groups. He claimed that religious intolerance is intertwined with ethnic identity, noting that displaced Hausa communities are often overlooked. The candidate’s remarks echo broader debates on faith freedom in Nigeria, a theme explored in our recent piece on inter‑faith tensions (https://www.nadiagist247.com/2026/10/faith-unfiltered-one-question-put-faith.html).
Kebbi State Violence Sparks New Wave of Displacement
Olawepo‑Hashim drew attention to a series of attacks in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where bandits allegedly killed residents, torched homes and forced mass flight in April 2026. He named the Kalkami, Tungar Bori and Kawara communities as among those hit hardest, reporting that eleven villages were burnt to the ground. According to the candidate, the perpetrators appear more interested in territorial control than any religious agenda, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
Call for International Intervention and Local Justice
The candidate urged the global community not to ignore the plight of Nigeria’s displaced peoples, calling for increased funding, protection mechanisms and diplomatic pressure on armed groups. He also demanded the unlawful detention of Hausa cultural activist Maisango be ended, alleging that the activist’s arrest is politically motivated. Olawepo‑Hashim’s appeal to the US commission underscores his strategy of leveraging international platforms to amplify Nigeria’s internal challenges.
Political Context and Upcoming Elections
As the Accord Party’s presidential hopeful, Olawepo‑Hashim’s statements come ahead of the 2027 election cycle, positioning humanitarian advocacy as a central campaign theme. While other parties focus on economic recovery, his emphasis on security, religious freedom and minority rights seeks to differentiate his platform. Observers note that the candidate’s outreach to foreign bodies could shape Nigeria’s diplomatic posture in the months to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What figure does Olawepo‑Hashim cite for Nigeria’s internally displaced population?
He references United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees data that puts the number at about 3.68 million as of October 2026.
Which communities in Kebbi State were mentioned as victims of recent attacks?
The Kalkami, Tungar Bori and Kawara communities in Shanga Local Government Area were highlighted, with reports of eleven villages burnt.
What does Olawepo‑Hashim demand regarding activist Maisango?
He alleges Maisango is being unlawfully detained and calls for his immediate release.
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