Accord Party in Lagos Challenges National Leadership’s Denials
The Lagos State chapter of the Accord Party has raised concerns over the national chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem’s recent denial that the party has no political alliance with President Bola Tinubu. The local branch claims that this sudden denial is an attempt to conceal a deeper political conspiracy.
Tribune Online reported that during a press conference in Abuja, Mgbudem stated that the Accord Party does not yet have a presidential candidate and that such a candidate will only be determined after the party’s primaries. He also denied any endorsement of President Tinubu as the party’s 2027 candidate, emphasizing that no such action has occurred.
Mgbudem explained, “Accord has not endorsed any candidate, and if there is any endorsement, I assure you, you will be the first to know. It will come from here. We just finished our NEC meeting and we’re still working on modalities on how to go about the 2027 elections. Every political party has released their timetable and their nomination fees, and aspirants for now are purchasing forms. You cannot say so and so is a candidate. A candidate will emerge after primaries. Every other person is an aspirant.”
However, a statement signed by Comrade Moses Jaguars on behalf of the Lagos Accord, titled “Accord Under Siege: Imposed Interests, False Denials and The Truth They Cannot Hide,” challenges Mgbudem’s claims. The statement argues that Mgbudem cannot deny any collaboration between Accord and President Tinubu, citing billboards across Osun State and public engagements where Governor Ademola Adeleke openly aligned with the president.
The statement highlights that these public displays of support cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. It further criticizes attempts to undermine Professor Chris Imumolen’s leadership, calling them both laughable and legally untenable. According to the statement, there is a valid court order regarding this matter, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged.
The statement reads, “The attention of the stakeholders of Accord Party Lagos has been drawn to the misleading and self-serving statements credited to Maxwell Mgbudem, purporting to deny any collaboration between Accord and President Bola Tinubu. Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity: Nigerians are not fools. The same individuals now issuing denials are fully aware of the visible and well-documented evidence: billboards across Osun State and repeated public engagements where Governor Ademola Adeleke openly aligned with President Tinubu. These are facts in the public domain that cannot be erased by hurried press briefings.”
It continues, “This sudden denial is nothing but a desperate attempt to cover up a deeper political conspiracy. Credible information indicates that certain elements within the PDP have planted agents within the party in accordance with the sole aim of hijacking the party’s structure and ticket for their own benefit. These actions are driven by financial inducements and backdoor deals, not ideology or party loyalty.”
The statement also raises concerns about individuals like Hashim Olawepo, a known PDP figure, who is now operating campaign offices nationwide under the Accord platform. This, according to the statement, is a calculated infiltration aimed at destabilizing the party.
On the issue of leadership, the statement asserts that the attempt to dismiss Professor Chris Imumolen’s mandate is both laughable and legally untenable. It mentions that there is a valid subsisting court order on this matter, and INEC has already acknowledged the situation, assuring compliance pending final determination at the Federal High Court.
“Let it be known: Accord is not for sale. It is not a dumping ground for political mercenaries or a tool for external manipulation. Those attempting to distort its structure for personal gain will be firmly resisted within the bounds of the law,” the statement concludes.
The Lagos Accord calls on party faithful, stakeholders, and the Nigerian public to remain vigilant. It emphasizes that the integrity of the Accord Party must and will be defended.
