The National Coordinator of the Accord Party, Rev. Isaac Adeniyi, has formally distanced the party from statements attributed to former presidential candidate, Chris Imumolen, and reaffirmed its backing for Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, as the party’s governorship candidate.
This clarification comes amid legal and internal disputes within the party. On December 3, a faction of the Accord Party filed a suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, seeking to nullify the upcoming Osun State governorship primaries and to uphold the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem.
The case, marked FCT/CV/4955/2025, was instituted by Oliver Bitrus, who listed the Accord Party, Mgbudem, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
Bitrus, represented by counsel Daniel Edeachi, claimed that Mgbudem and his deputy, Chief Okey Nwosu, were suspended by a faction of the party for alleged anti-party activities, and that Prof. Chris Imumolen was subsequently appointed as their replacement, citing a Federal High Court judgment recognizing him as the lawful national leader.
In a related development, Imumolen criticized Governor Adeleke’s defection to the Accord Party as a “backdoor entry” and attempted to organize a separate primary, which INEC did not recognize.
In response, Adeniyi stated from Benin on Monday that the party fully supports Adeleke’s candidacy and rejects Imumolen’s claims.
“The Accord Party disassociates itself from the reckless statements attributed to Chris Imumolen. In an attempt to challenge Governor Adeleke’s legitimate victory at the party primary, Imumolen hastily organized an unpublicized ‘kangaroo’ primary in Osun State, proclaiming himself National Chairman and appointing a disguised National Working Committee. These actions are illegal, null, and void,” Adeniyi said.
He further warned the public not to associate with Imumolen’s group, stating, “Imumolen and his followers do not represent the Accord Party in any capacity. We call on INEC to discountenance this group.”
Adeniyi commended INEC for recognizing Adeleke as the legitimate candidate of the Accord Party. “Governor Ademola Adeleke was duly registered as a member of the Accord Party at his ward and obtained the nomination form.
The party’s primary, conducted in the presence of INEC officials, confirmed him as the sole flagbearer in line with the Accord Party constitution,” he said.
He concluded by congratulating Adeleke and expressing confidence in his victory: “We congratulate Governor Adeleke for emerging as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party. Those sponsoring Imumolen are aware that Governor Adeleke is poised for victory in the forthcoming Osun Governorship election. Other political parties in the state should prepare, as the Accord Party remains united and ready for a decisive win.”
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