Accord Party Factional Candidate Withdraws, Endorses Tinubu
Prof. Christopher Imumolen, the factional presidential candidate and National Chairman of the Accord Party, has announced his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential race and thrown his full support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At a news conference in Lagos on Friday, August 7, 2026, Imumolen declared that Tinubu would win the 2027 election, emphasizing that national interest must override personal ambition.
Why Tinubu Will Win According to Imumolen
Imumolen cited the President's people-oriented programmes and massive support across the country as key factors. He acknowledged ongoing challenges like inflation and security but insisted that progress requires focus and continuity. "Tinubu will win because of his people-oriented programmes and the massive support he has received from different parts of the country. There is focus. Let us forget about the challenges of inflation and security. There must be progress," he stated.
He further explained, "If another person comes in 2027, he will have to start all over again. There must be continuity. He has identified the challenges, and we need to move from where we are to the next phase. That is why we are supporting him, and he will win. My support is total."
Ten Reasons Behind the Endorsement
Imumolen outlined ten specific reasons for the party's decision. The first three centered on Tinubu's willingness to push through tough economic reforms, his demonstrated leadership capacity, and his commitment to continuing ongoing development projects. The fourth through sixth reasons focused on deliberate youth empowerment, bridging generational gaps in leadership, and appointing competent people to key public offices.
Reasons seven, eight, and nine pointed to placing national interest above personal ambition, ensuring policy continuity and political stability, and the party's early declaration of support as a show of transparency. The tenth reason, according to Imumolen, was the belief that working together in the national interest would strengthen democracy and speed up national development.
Imumolen's Change of Heart
Imumolen admitted he had criticized Tinubu in the past but said four years of observation changed his view. He also claimed that no opposition candidate, including those from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), had a stronger chance than Tinubu. He stressed there was "no hidden agenda" behind the endorsement, describing it as a collective party decision rooted in what members believed was good for the country.
As reported by Vanguard, Imumolen's announcement marks a significant political shift. The Accord Party chairman said the endorsement would not stop the party from contesting governorship and legislative elections across the country.
Earlier Withdrawal and Party Leadership
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Imumolen pulled out of the 2027 presidential race on Sunday, August 3, 2026, after consultations with Accord Party leadership. He cited national interest over personal ambition and pointed to Tinubu's reform agenda as closely matching his own manifesto on economic transformation and youth empowerment.
