Accord Party Says Rainbow Coalition Will Struggle in Kwara Elections

The Accord Party in Kwara State believes the Rainbow Coalition will have a hard time making an impact in the 2027 elections. They say the coalition lacks the grassroots support and strong message needed to win over voters.

The party shared its views in a statement on Sunday from its State Publicity Secretary, Olamilekan Esinrogunjo. A copy of the statement was obtained by PUNCH Online in Ilorin.

While discussing the new political group forming for the elections, the Accord Party criticized the coalition's strategy. They said it seems more focused on the interests of a few powerful people rather than a clear plan for governance.

The party also raised concerns about the coalition's stance on the presidential and governorship elections in 2027. They argued that trying to mix opposition politics in Kwara with support for President Bola Tinubu at the national level could hurt their trust with voters.

The statement said, "You cannot claim to be opposition in Kwara and, at the same time, ask the same people to support the APC at the presidential level. That contradiction is one of the fundamental problems of the Rainbow Coalition."

The Accord Party dismissed the idea that big-name politicians switching parties would automatically bring in votes. They pointed out that just because influential people join forces does not mean ordinary voters will follow.

“They can make noise here and there. Politicians can move from one party to another, but votes do not move automatically with them. An alliance of politicians is not necessarily an alliance of voters,” the statement added.

The party argued that relying on big political names and former officeholders to gain support for the Saraki political dynasty would not likely lead to the expected wins. They believe a clear plan is needed to address voters' concerns.

According to the Accord Party, the coalition has not shown what it will offer the people outside of their political moves. This raises questions about what they stand for and what policies they would push if they come to power.

The statement asked, "What is the Rainbow Coalition offering Kwarans beyond political realignment? Is it an opposition platform, a vehicle for supporting the President, a return to the defeated dynasty or simply an arrangement among politicians seeking new political opportunities?"

The party emphasized that the 2027 elections will depend on how well political parties and candidates connect with voters. They believe it will take solid programs, grassroots involvement, and real solutions to the state's problems to win, not just endorsements and party changes.

The Accord Party warned that the people of Kwara will ultimately decide the election outcome. They cautioned political leaders not to think that voters’ support could be transferred just because powerful politicians form alliances.

“Kwara is not anybody’s political inheritance. The people own their votes, and they will decide who gets their mandate,” the party said.

The spokesperson for the Accord Party described it as a platform that offers a new direction for Kwara. They claimed it focuses on politics driven by policies and grassroots support from the presidential level down to the state House of Assembly.

He urged voters to look beyond political movements and alliances. Voters should judge parties and candidates by their manifestoes, past performance, proposed policies, and ability to tackle the challenges facing the state.

The Rainbow Coalition is one of the new political groups forming for the 2027 elections. Its strength will be tested by how well its members can convert their influence into votes across Kwara State.