Accord Party in Lagos denies backing Tinubu for 2027 election

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

Oladeji, who is also the Secretary of the Forum of Accord Party Chairmen in Southern Nigeria, called the claim false and against the party’s stance.

He spoke on Sunday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria. This was in response to comments made by Prof. Christopher Imumolen.

Imumolen, a factional presidential candidate for Accord, allegedly said the party was backing Tinubu for another term.

Oladeji stated that no meeting of the National Executive Committee had discussed or approved any support for Tinubu.

“Accord did not and will not endorse Tinubu for a second term. Anyone claiming otherwise is playing politics or acting against the party,” he said.

He added that the party had never talked about supporting Tinubu in any NEC meeting since plans for 2027 started.

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

“So, there is no reason for anyone to say that Accord has endorsed President Tinubu,” he said.

The chairman called Imumolen’s statements a personal opinion aimed at gaining media attention, not the official view of the party.

“Chris Imumolen is pretending to be the Accord presidential candidate and saying support for President Tinubu is just political talk for media attention,” he said.

Oladeji also questioned Imumolen’s membership, claiming his name is not on the party’s current membership list.

He said an older list was replaced with a new one introduced in 2023 by the national leadership.

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

He challenged Imumolen to show proof of his membership and involvement in the party’s activities.

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

Oladeji emphasized that Accord is focused on contesting the 2027 general elections at all levels.

He said the party will present candidates for state assembly, governorship, House of Representatives, Senate, and presidential elections across the nation.

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

The chairman argued that supporting another party’s presidential candidate would go against Accord’s political goals and identity.

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

Oladeji urged members and supporters to ignore any reports suggesting that the party has agreed to support Tinubu’s re-election.

He maintained that Accord’s official position can only come from decisions made by its constitutional bodies and recognized meetings.

According to him, people making opposing claims should be seen as acting outside the party’s established position.

Oladeji reiterated that Accord will stay independent and pursue its plans and electoral goals ahead of the 2027 general elections.