Lagos: Stakeholders of the Accord Party in Lagos have reaffirmed their loyalty to the party’s former presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, as the substantive National Chairman. The stakeholders, led by Mr. Moses Jaguars, issued a statement warning against attempts to hijack the party’s structure ahead of the 2026 and 2027 electoral cycles.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Jaguars described moves to dismiss Imumolen’s mandate as ‘laughable and legally untenable,’ emphasizing the existence of a valid court order affirming his leadership. He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged the situation and assured compliance with the court order pending final determination at the Federal High Court.
Jaguars added that the party would resist any form of external interference, stating, “Let it be known that Accord is not for sale. It is not a dumping ground for political mercenaries or a tool for external manipulation.” He warned that attempts to distort the party’s structure for personal gain would be firmly resisted within legal bounds.
Concerns were also raised regarding recent statements from the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, who denied any collaboration with the ruling party or President Bola Tinubu. Jaguars described the denial as an attempt to cover up a political conspiracy, citing evidence of public engagements where Gov. Ademola Adeleke openly aligned with Tinubu.
Jaguars further alleged that elements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had infiltrated Accord to facilitate a backdoor takeover. He claimed a known PDP figure was opening campaign offices nationwide under the Accord platform. Jaguars urged party members and the public to remain vigilant, assuring that the party’s integrity would be defended within the law.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some party members protested at INEC, demanding Imumolen’s recognition as the party’s national chairman. Imumolen expressed frustration over INEC’s reluctance to enforce judicial decisions and urged compliance with court orders affirming his mandate.
In contrast, Mgbudem, at a news conference in Abuja, disowned the protest, insisting there was no leadership crisis or faction within the party. He also denied any collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.