2027: Accord Party denies endorsing Tinubu for second term

The Lagos State Chairman of Accord, Dele Oladeji, has rejected claims that the party has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

Oladeji, who is also Secretary of the Forum of Accord Party Chairmen in Southern Nigeria, described the claim as false and said it did not reflect any decision taken by the party.

He spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday while responding to comments attributed to Prof. Christopher Imumolen, a factional Accord presidential candidate.

Oladeji said no meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee had considered or approved support for Tinubu.

“Accord did not and will not endorse Tinubu for a second term. Any person claiming otherwise is playing politics or engaging in anti-party activities,” he said.

He added: “Accord has not at any time discussed any endorsement of President Tinubu at any of our NEC meetings.

“So, there is no basis whatsoever for anybody to claim that Accord has endorsed President Tinubu.”

Oladeji accused Imumolen of presenting a personal position as that of the party, describing his claim as “political shadow boxing for media attention”.

“Chris Imumolen is impersonating the Accord presidential candidate and declaring support for President Tinubu is political shadow boxing for media attention,” he said.

The Lagos chairman also questioned Imumolen’s membership of Accord, claiming that his name was not on the party’s current register.

“His name is not on the Accord membership register, as the register he was on had been phased out,” Oladeji said.

He challenged Imumolen to produce evidence of his membership and participation in recognised party structures.

“If Imumolen claims otherwise, let him publish his Accord membership register and pictures of any NEC meeting attended by INEC officials,” he said.

Oladeji maintained that Accord would remain an independent political force and contest the 2027 elections at all levels, including the presidency.

“Accord candidates will contest every elective position in the country, including the presidential election,” he said.

He added: “Only an unserious person and political party will endorse the candidate of another party. Accord will not do such.”

The chairman urged party members and the public to disregard reports suggesting that Accord had agreed to support Tinubu’s re-election bid