By Enemona Samuel Endurance
The Lagos State Chairman of the Accord Party, Dele Oladeji, has dismissed reports that the party endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
Oladeji, who is also the Secretary of the Forum of Accord Party Chairmen in Southern Nigeria, described the claim as false and contrary to the official position of the party.
He made the clarification on Sunday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in reaction to comments attributed to Prof. Christopher Imumolen, a factional presidential candidate of the party.
Imumolen had reportedly claimed that Accord was backing President Tinubu for a second term in office.
Accord Says No NEC Approval for Tinubu
Oladeji said no meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee had discussed or approved an endorsement of Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
According to him, Accord has not deliberated on supporting the President at any of its NEC meetings since preparations for the 2027 general elections began.
“Accord did not and will not endorse Tinubu for a second term. Any person claiming otherwise is playing politics or engaging in anti-party activities,” Oladeji said.
He maintained that the party’s official position can only emerge from decisions taken by its constitutional organs and recognised meetings.
Chairman Questions Imumolen’s Party Status
The Accord chairman also questioned Imumolen’s current membership status, alleging that his name was not contained in the party’s current membership register.
Oladeji claimed that the membership register on which Imumolen’s name previously appeared had been replaced by a new register introduced by the party’s national leadership in 2023.
“His name is not on the Accord membership register, as the register he was on had been phased out,” he said.
He challenged Imumolen to provide evidence of his current membership of Accord as well as proof of participation in recognised party structures and activities.
Oladeji also described Imumolen’s reported claim of support for Tinubu as a personal position rather than an authorised decision of the party.
Accord Insists It Will Contest 2027 Elections
Oladeji said Accord remained committed to participating fully in the 2027 general elections and would field candidates across the country.
He said the party planned to contest elections for state Houses of Assembly, governorships, the House of Representatives, the Senate and the presidency.
“Accord candidates will contest every elective position in the country, including the presidential election,” he said.
According to him, endorsing the presidential candidate of another political party would contradict Accord’s political objectives and identity.
“Only an unserious person and political party will endorse the candidate of another party. Accord will not do such,” Oladeji said.
Party Urges Members to Ignore Endorsement Claims
The Lagos chairman urged Accord members and supporters to disregard reports suggesting that the party had entered into an agreement to support Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
He reiterated that any official decision concerning the party’s presidential candidate or electoral alliances must come through its recognised constitutional structures.
Oladeji maintained that individuals making claims contrary to decisions of the party’s authorised organs should not be regarded as representing Accord’s official position.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the clarification adds to the growing political debate over possible alliances and endorsements involving President Tinubu and opposition parties.
For now, Oladeji’s position is that Accord intends to remain an independent political platform and contest the 2027 elections at all levels rather than endorse the presidential candidate of another party.
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