2027: Accord rejects ‘parallel leadership’ claim, disowns INEC protest

By Luminous Jannamike

The Accord Party on Thursday dismissed claims of a leadership crisis within its ranks, disowned a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and insisted that no court order backs any rival claim to its national chairmanship.

The party said it moved to clear the air and prevent public misunderstanding as political activities gather momentum ahead of the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and the 2027 general election.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the National Chairman of Accord, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem said: “We are compelled to set the record straight to disabuse the minds of unsuspecting compatriots who might think that there is a leadership disagreement in the party.”

He described the protest at INEC headquarters by some expelled members of the party as an attempt to whip up public sympathy and curry favour.

“They staged a poorly scripted show with a few ‘sponsored’ individuals at INEC headquarters, Abuja, which saw the expelled former candidate of Accord in the 2023 presidential election, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, seeking to be recognised as chairman of the party based on an imaginary court order,” Mgbudem said.

He stressed that the claim of a court order had no basis and questioned why none was presented publicly during the INEC protest.

“If there is a court order, they would have carried and displayed it like a trophy instead of carrying awkward placards,” he said.

Mgbudem said the issue dates back to an ex parte order obtained in August 2024, after which Imumolen allegedly attempted to assume leadership and forcefully took over the party’s national secretariat.

He said the party immediately challenged the move in court, leading to rulings that restored the status quo and directed those involved to vacate the premises.

According to him, the case was eventually struck out in July 2025 after the court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over what it described as an internal party matter.

Mgbudem said the party also took disciplinary steps, which led to Imumolen’s expulsion in November 2024.

“From the above, Imumolen is no longer a member of the party effective 20th November 2024. We will not dissipate energy responding to his antics,” he said.

He also advised party members and prospective aspirants to be cautious.

“The party urges citizens to be mindful of this political merchant who has been roaming the political space and the courts in what the Supreme Court called forum shopping,” he said.

Mgbudem reaffirmed that he remains the duly elected national chairman, having emerged from the party’s national convention held on 28 July 2024 in Abuja under INEC supervision.

“Nigerians know that there is no faction in Accord as members are united in support of the authentic National Chairman,” he said.

Looking ahead, he said the party is focused on upcoming elections and strengthening its base across the country.

“Accord is focused on the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun States gubernatorial elections and the 2027 general polls,” he said.

He added that the party remains committed to its political objectives as it continues to attract new members.

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