The Accord Party has dismissed the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, by its expelled former 2023 presidential candidate, Chris Imumolen, describing him as a politician without electoral value.
Accord said Imumolen no longer represents the party and has no authority to speak on its behalf after he attended the APC campaign rally in Osogbo and publicly endorsed Oyebamiji ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, described Imumolen as a “political hireling and hustler” seeking “stomach infrastructure”, while arguing that he lacked the political structure and influence to affect the outcome of the election.
The party also rejected claims that Imumolen is a factional chairman of Accord, insisting that the party has no faction.
“That Imumolen attended the APC rally in Osogbo, where he backed its candidate, is a glaring testament that he is not a member of Accord and does not represent the party in any capacity,” the statement said.
Accord maintained that Osun remains one of its strongholds and expressed confidence that voters across the state would overwhelmingly support the party and Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 governorship election.
The party predicted a landslide victory for Adeleke, saying such an outcome would further consolidate its position in the state and strengthen the delivery of democratic dividends to residents.
Accord Accuses APC of Intimidation
The party also accused the APC of allegedly resorting to violence, harassment and intimidation in an attempt to influence the election.
It further alleged that federal institutions, particularly the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were being used to suppress the Osun State Government, residents and Accord members.
According to Accord, the alleged actions were driven by the APC’s fear of defeat and an attempt to compromise the electoral process in its favour.
“The good people of Osun remain resolute, firm and steadfast in their support for Accord and their governor,” the party said.
Party Urges INEC, Security Agencies to Remain Neutral
Accord called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and conduct a free, fair and credible election.
It also urged security agencies to remain impartial and professional in carrying out their statutory responsibilities before, during and after the election.
The party appealed to the international community, including the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, African Union, ECOWAS, United States and United Kingdom, to closely monitor the election and sanction individuals found culpable of electoral violations.
Accord said it was fully prepared for the election and expressed confidence in victory, citing Adeleke’s achievements and what it described as his transformational leadership in the state.
The party urged all stakeholders to ensure that the Osun governorship election sets a new national standard for credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
