Accord Denies Endorsing Alex Otti for Second Term, Says Imumolen Is Expelled Member
- Accord party denies endorsing Alex Otti for 2027 governorship election in Abia State
- Prof. Imumolen and associates are expelled members impersonating Accord leadership during a visit
- Accord urges verification of party leadership through INEC to prevent public misinformation
The national leadership of the Accord has denied endorsing the re-election bid of Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.
The party also distanced itself from a recent visit to Governor Otti by a group led by Christopher Imumolen, insisting that those involved were no longer members of the party.
The position was contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of Accord, Joseph Omorogbe, on behalf of the party’s national leadership.
Accord rejects alleged endorsement
According to the statement, the party neither directed its Abia State chapter to support the ruling Labour Party nor authorised any endorsement of Governor Otti for a second term.
The party stated that the endorsement carried out during a visit to the Government House in Umuahia was invalid.
“The national leadership of Accord did not endorse the re-election of the Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti for the 2027 gubernatorial poll and did not direct the party's state chapter to support the ruling Labour Party in the state,” the statement read.
Imumolen described as expelled member
Accord further stated that Prof. Imumolen and others who accompanied him had been expelled from the party in 2024 over alleged anti-party activities.
“Prof. Christopher Imumolen and his co-travelers are not members of Accord, having been expelled from the party in 2024 for anti-party activities,” the statement added.
The party described their actions in Umuahia as “null, void and of no effect whatsoever,” arguing that only recognised members of the party could speak on its behalf.
Party accuses group of impersonation
The party accused the group of impersonating Accord’s leadership and attempting to mislead members of the public.
“It is obvious that non-members of a political party can not speak, act, or endorse any aspirant for any elective position on behalf of the authentic leadership of the party,” the statement said.
“What Imumolen and his co-travelers did in Umuahia is their usual showmanship and impersonation of the Accord leadership to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public.”
Accord points to INEC recognition
The party maintained that the authentic leadership of Accord remains under the control of its National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbuden.
It urged political actors and members of the public to verify party leadership structures through the Independent National Electoral Commission website.
“Gov Otti ought to have known the authentic and recognised leadership of every political party as clearly displayed in the INEC website, which has Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden as the national chairman of Accord,” the statement noted.
According to the party, only the National Executive Committee led by Mgbuden has the authority to nominate or endorse candidates for elections.
Journalists urged to verify party leadership
Accord also appealed to journalists to verify the leadership of political parties before publishing reports to avoid misleading the public.
The party concluded by reaffirming its unity and readiness for future elections under the current leadership.
“Accord remains united under the leadership of Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden and ready for the upcoming elections,” the statement added.
Source: Legit.ng
