Accord Party political disputes in Nigeria

Professor Christopher Imumolen, a presidential candidate for the Accord Party, announced his withdrawal from the 2027 Nigerian presidential race to endorse incumbent President Bola Tinubu. Imumolen characterized the move as a “patriotic sacrifice for national unity, stability and continued development,” stating that Tinubu’s reform agenda aligned with his own manifesto.

In his announcement, Imumolen praised Tinubu’s leadership in addressing economic and political challenges, noting that the president’s focus on economic transformation, education, and industrialization mirrored his own platform. He stated the decision followed extensive consultations with party leadership.

However, the Accord Party subsequently distanced itself from Imumolen. National Chairman Chief Maxwell Mgbudem stated that Imumolen, who had been expelled from the party, does not represent the organization and lacks the political structure to influence outcomes. The party further rejected claims that Imumolen acts as a factional leader, asserting that the party remains united following his endorsement of an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Osun State governorship election.

Following his endorsement of APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji in Osun State, the Accord Party formally expelled Imumolen, with Mgbudem maintaining that such support is incompatible with the party’s position. Imumolen has contested the expulsion and the legitimacy of the current leadership, claiming his authority as chairman is supported by a 2024 Federal High Court order resulting from a leadership dispute during a national convention.