Lagos Accord Party rejects Tinubu endorsement claim

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The Lagos State Chairman of Accord, Mr Dele Oladeji, has dismissed claims that the party endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid for 2027.

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Oladeji, who is also Secretary of the Forum of Accord Party Chairmen in Southern Nigeria, described the claim as false and contrary to the party’s position.

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He spoke on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria while reacting to remarks by Prof. Christopher Imumolen.

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Imumolen, a factional Accord presidential candidate, had reportedly claimed that the party was backing Tinubu for a second term in office.

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Oladeji said no National Executive Committee meeting of the party had discussed or approved any endorsement of Tinubu.

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“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.

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According to him, the party had never deliberated on supporting Tinubu at any NEC meeting since preparations for 2027 began.

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

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

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The chairman described Imumolen’s position as a personal opinion aimed at attracting public attention rather than reflecting the party’s official stance.

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

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Oladeji also questioned Imumolen’s membership status, alleging that his name was absent from the party’s current membership register.

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He claimed that an older register had been replaced by a new membership register introduced in 2023 by the national leadership.

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

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

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

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Oladeji stressed that Accord remained committed to contesting the 2027 general elections at all levels.

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He said the party would field candidates for state assembly, governorship, House of Representatives, Senate and presidential elections nationwide.

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

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The chairman argued that endorsing another party’s presidential candidate would contradict Accord’s political objectives and identity.

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“Only an unserious person and political party will endorse the candidate of another party. Accord will not do such,” he said.

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Oladeji urged members and supporters to disregard reports suggesting that the party had entered into any agreement supporting Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

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He maintained that Accord’s official position could only emerge through decisions reached by its constitutional organs and recognised meetings.

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According to him, individuals making contrary claims should be regarded as acting outside the established position of the party.

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Oladeji reiterated that Accord would remain independent and pursue its programmes and electoral ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. (NAN)

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