By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The Lagos State Chairman of Accord, Mr Dele Oladeji, has dismissed claims that the party endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid for 2027.

Oladeji, also Secretary of the Forum of Accord Party Chairmen in Southern Nigeria, described the claim as false and contrary to the party’s position.

He spoke on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while reacting to remarks by Prof. Christopher Imumolen.

Imumolen, a factional Accord presidential candidate, had reportedly claimed that the party was backing Tinubu for a second term in office.

Oladeji said no National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party had discussed or approved any endorsement of Tinubu.

“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,” he said.

According to him, the party has never deliberated on supporting Tinubu at any NEC meeting since preparations for 2027 began.

“Accord has not at any time discussed any endorsement of President Tinubu at any of our NEC meetings.

“So, there is no basis whatsoever for anybody to claim that Accord has endorsed President Tinubu,” he said.

The chairman described Imumolen’s position as a personal opinion aimed at attracting public attention rather than reflecting the party’s official stance.

“Chris Imumolen is impersonating the Accord presidential candidate and declaring support for President Tinubu is political shadow boxing for media attention,” he said.

Oladeji also questioned Imumolen’s membership status, alleging that his name was absent from the party’s current membership register.

He claimed that an older register had been replaced by a new membership register introduced in 2023 by the national leadership.

“His name is not on the Accord membership register, as the register he was on had been phased out,” Oladeji said.

He challenged Imumolen to provide evidence of his membership and participation in recognised party structures and activities.

“If Imumolen claims otherwise, let him publish his Accord membership register and pictures of any NEC meeting attended by INEC officials,” he said.

Oladeji stressed that Accord remained committed to contesting the 2027 general elections across all levels of government.

He said the party would field candidates for state assembly, governorship, House of Representatives, Senate and presidential elections nationwide.

“Accord candidates will contest every elective position in the country, including the presidential election,” he said.

The chairman argued that endorsing another party’s presidential candidate 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,” he said.

Oladeji urged members and supporters to disregard reports suggesting the party had entered any agreement supporting Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

He maintained that Accord’s official position could only emerge through decisions reached by its constitutional organs and recognised meetings.

According to him, individuals making contrary claims should be regarded as acting outside the established position of the party.

Oladeji reiterated that Accord would remain independent and pursue its programmes and electoral ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. (NAN)

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