The factional Accord Party's presidential candidate and National Chairman, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, has withdrawn the party's support from Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and endorsed Bola Oyabamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, ahead of the August 15, 2026, election.
Imumolen made the declaration on Thursday at the APC mega rally held in Osun State, less than two weeks before voters head to the polls. The announcement marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, potentially affecting the electoral prospects of the incumbent governor.
Dramatic Gesture at Rally
The most striking moment came when Imumolen removed his yellow cap — the colour widely associated with the Accord Party in the state — and replaced it with an APC cap, a gesture that drew a visible reaction from the crowd. In footage from the event, the yellow cap was flung into the air by an unidentified person at the rally after Imumolen set it aside.
This symbolic act underscored the party's formal switch in allegiance, a move that could influence voters who had previously aligned with the Accord Party. The rally, which drew a large crowd, served as a platform for the endorsement, with several APC heavyweights present.
Akpabio Confirms Accord's Switch
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who attended the rally as a representative of President Bola Tinubu, told the crowd that, based on information available to him, the Accord Party "has thrown in the towel" and backed the APC candidate. Akpabio also passed on the president's greetings to the people of Osun and assured them that adequate security would be in place on election day to prevent any form of harassment.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq used his remarks to urge APC supporters to vote confidently for Oyabamiji and warned against violence before, during, and after the election. His comments reflect the party's focus on ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
Prominent APC Figures Attend
Among the notable figures present at the rally were APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Bisi Akande, and Senator Iyiola Omisore. Their presence signaled the party's unity and high-level backing for Oyabamiji's candidacy.
The rally's timing, days before the election, was strategic, aiming to consolidate support and energize the party's base. The endorsement by Imumolen is expected to bolster the APC's campaign in the state, though its impact remains to be seen.
Imumolen's Earlier Endorsement of Tinubu
The Osun declaration follows a broader political shift by Imumolen. On August 7, 2026, he formally withdrew from the 2027 presidential race and endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, citing the president's reform agenda, leadership, and what he described as growing nationwide support as reasons for the decision.
This sequence of events suggests a realignment of political forces in the run-up to the 2026 Osun governorship election. The Accord Party's withdrawal of support for Adeleke could alter the dynamics of the race, potentially consolidating opposition votes behind the APC candidate.
As the August 15 election approaches, the political landscape in Osun State remains fluid, with the Accord Party's endorsement adding a new dimension to the contest. Voters will now weigh the implications of this shift as they prepare to cast their ballots.
