Osun Election: Accord Party Rejects Imumolen's Endorsement, Reaffirms Adeleke

The Accord Party in Osun State has firmly rejected Christopher Imumolen's endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. The party leadership insists that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains their sole candidate for the upcoming election. This declaration came after Imumolen appeared at the APC's final campaign rally, where he announced Accord's withdrawal of support for Adeleke and directed party members to vote for Oyebamiji.

The Osun State chapter of Accord, in a statement signed by its chairman Victor Akande, disavowed Imumolen's endorsement, labeling him an "impersonator" who does not represent the party's leadership. They reiterated that Maxwell Mgbudem is the recognized National Chairman and that the party's National Working Committee has not endorsed any candidate other than Adeleke. The party urged voters to disregard Imumolen's declaration, viewing it as an attempt to sow confusion just before the election.

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The Accord Party and its National Working Committee still recognises Senator Ademola Adeleke as its only candidate for the Osun Governorship election.

Imumolen, presenting himself as the Accord Party's National Chairman, had stated at the APC rally that his party was withdrawing support for Adeleke. This situation stems from a long-standing leadership crisis within the Accord Party, with both Imumolen and Mgbudem claiming the chairmanship at different times. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lists Maxwell Mgbudem as the National Chairman and Adebukola Abiola as National Secretary, with Mgbudem's faction having previously rejected Imumolen's claims and even stating he was expelled.

Despite the INEC recognition, Imumolen has continued to assert his leadership, even leading supporters to INEC headquarters to demand recognition. This internal conflict has led to competing factions conducting separate political activities. Imumolen's endorsement of the APC candidate has intensified this confrontation between the two Accord Party camps.

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As the national chairman of [the] Accord Party, we have taken down our support for Ademola Adeleke and today, we declare our support for Ambo (Oyebamiji).