The Accord Party has issued a strong rebuttal against reports circulating that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has been uploaded as its candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial election. The party’s statement, attributed to the faction led by Prof. Chris Imumolen, declares the claim “entirely false, misleading, and calculated to deceive the public.”
It asserts that the party’s legitimate and duly nominated candidate is Mr. Kolawole Clement Bamigbola, whose nomination and documents were submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission. The party accuses “hijackers and impersonators” of attempting to undermine its internal democracy, which is currently the subject of a court case, and urges the public to disregard the conflicting report.
Key Points:
The statement highlights a significant internal crisis and factional dispute within the Accord Party, with competing claims over candidate nomination.
It directly challenges the narrative that a sitting governor has secured an opposition party’s ticket, framing it as a hijacking attempt by external forces.
The reference to a sub judice national leadership tussle indicates that the party’s internal governance is under legal contention, complicating its electoral preparations.
By publicly affirming Bamigbola and rejecting Adeleke, the faction seeks to control the party’s public identity and preempt any potential imposition of a candidate.
The rebuttal aims to reassure party members and supporters amidst the confusion, projecting an image of procedural adherence and legal defensibility.
This public disavowal exposes deep fractures within the Accord Party and sets the stage for a legal and political battle over its authentic candidate, potentially complicating the 2026 Osun governorship race.
Sources: Independent Nigeria, The Punch, Premium Times