The Accord Party has rejected the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, by Professor Chris Imumolen, insisting that the former 2023 presidential candidate no longer represents the Party.
The development has deepened the political disagreement within Accord ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, where incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking another term under the Accord platform.
Imumolen had appeared at an APC campaign rally in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, where he publicly announced his support for Oyebamiji. He had also claimed that his faction of Accord had withdrawn its backing for Adeleke and adopted the APC candidate for Saturday’s election.
However, the national leadership of Accord, headed by Maxwell Mgbudem, immediately disowned the endorsement and said Imumolen had no authority to speak for the Party.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mgbudem maintained that Imumolen was no longer a member of Accord and could therefore not make political decisions on behalf of the organisation.
The National Chairman said Imumolen’s presence at the APC rally was itself evidence that he had abandoned the Party.
“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,” Mgbudem said.
The Party also rejected the description of Imumolen as a “factional Chairman”, arguing that no recognised faction exists within Accord.
Mgbudem described the claim as an attempt to create a false impression of division within the Party, insisting that the leadership he heads remains the authentic structure of Accord.
The dispute between the two camps is not new. Accord has, for several months, been dealing with competing claims over its national leadership, with Imumolen insisting that he remains the legitimate Chairman while the Mgbudem-led leadership maintains that he was expelled from the Party.
In April, Mgbudem had publicly rejected Imumolen’s claim to the national chairmanship and stated that the Party had no leadership crisis. The Party also said Imumolen was expelled in November 2024 and cited a July 2025 judgment in which a suit involving the dispute was struck out for want of jurisdiction.
The leadership disagreement has also produced competing political activities, including claims over the Party’s candidates and direction ahead of major elections. Despite the dispute, the Mgbudem-led structure has continued to present Adeleke as Accord’s candidate for the Osun governorship election.
Imumolen’s latest endorsement of Oyebamiji followed an earlier declaration by his camp in July that it would support the APC candidate in the Osun election. Reports at the time said the group also backed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, while maintaining that its decision did not amount to the dissolution of Accord or a formal merger with another political party.
The latest reaction from Mgbudem therefore represents a clear attempt by Accord’s recognised national leadership to separate itself from Imumolen’s activities and prevent voters from interpreting his endorsement as the official position of the Party.
Accord also expressed confidence in Adeleke’s chances at the polls, describing Osun as a strong political base for the Party.
According to the Party, residents would turn out in large numbers to support the incumbent Governor, whom it credited with achievements and what it described as transformational leadership in the State.
The Party’s position is significant because Adeleke is one of the leading contenders in the election, while Oyebamiji is the candidate of the APC. The contest has attracted considerable political attention as the outcome could influence the balance of political forces in the State ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Mgbudem-led Accord also accused the APC of resorting to intimidation, harassment and violence because of fears of losing the election. The Party alleged that federal institutions, including the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, were being used against the Osun State Government, residents and its members.
The allegations were part of the Party’s broader appeal for what it described as a level playing field before voters go to the polls.
Accord called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain neutral throughout the electoral process and ensure that the election reflects the will of the people.
It similarly urged security agencies to carry out their responsibilities professionally and without political bias.
The Party further appealed to international organisations and foreign governments, including the European Union, African Union, ECOWAS, the United States and the United Kingdom, to pay close attention to the Osun election.
It asked international observers to monitor the process and ensure that anyone found attempting to manipulate or compromise the election is held accountable.
The Party said a credible election would not only determine the next governor of Osun State but could also demonstrate Nigeria’s ability to conduct competitive elections in a peaceful and transparent environment.
“Let the Osun State governorship election set a new national standard in the conduct of elections in Nigeria,” the Party stated.
The disagreement over Imumolen’s endorsement comes as political parties intensify their final preparations for the August 15 poll.
The election is expected to be closely watched because of the contest between Adeleke and Oyebamiji, as well as the broader political realignments taking place ahead of the 2027 elections.
For Accord, however, the immediate objective is to ensure that Imumolen’s declaration does not create confusion among voters regarding the Party’s candidate.
The Party has therefore insisted that Adeleke remains its candidate and that the position announced by Imumolen at the APC rally should not be interpreted as an official Accord endorsement.
The controversy also highlights the continuing leadership dispute that has followed Accord in recent months. While Imumolen and his supporters continue to challenge the Mgbudem-led structure, the latter has repeatedly maintained that it is the recognised leadership of the Party and that there is no legitimate faction within Accord.
Earlier in July, Accord leaders under Mgbudem also reaffirmed their confidence in Adeleke and predicted victory for the Governor in the Osun governorship election. The Party said Adeleke’s performance during his first term had strengthened its position in the State.
As the campaign enters its final stage, the rival positions from the two Accord camps are likely to remain a major talking point. While Imumolen’s group has thrown its weight behind Oyebamiji, the Mgbudem-led national leadership has maintained that the Party’s official structure remains firmly behind Adeleke.
The final decision, however, will rest with voters across Osun State when they cast their ballots on August 15.
The outcome will determine whether Adeleke secures another term on the Accord platform or whether Oyebamiji and the APC succeed in taking control of the State.
For now, Accord’s message is unambiguous: Imumolen’s endorsement of the APC candidate does not represent the official position of the Party, and the Party remains committed to Adeleke’s re-election bid.