The leadership of the Accord Party has made a definitive statement, confirming that its former presidential candidate, Professor Christopher Imumolen, remains expelled from the party. This clarification came during a major press briefing in Abuja, where the party also extended an olive branch to supporters who had followed him.
Expulsion Upheld Amidst Allegations of Misconduct
Addressing journalists at the party's national secretariat on Tuesday, the National Chairman of Accord, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, left no room for doubt. He stated that Prof Christopher Imumolen was expelled from the party on November 20, 2024, following established internal disciplinary procedures. The grounds for this drastic action were cited as gross misconduct and engagement in anti-party activities.
Mgbudem emphasized that Imumolen did not challenge this decision through the party's internal mechanisms, making his expulsion absolute. He accused the former candidate of subsequently spreading false information in an attempt to create confusion and destabilize the party's structure. The chairman asserted that Accord would not be sidetracked by what he termed propaganda aimed at misleading the Nigerian public.
Reconciliation for Members, Not for the Leader
In a significant move highlighting a strategy of unity, the party announced it was welcoming back members and supporters who were allegedly deceived by Imumolen. Mgbudem explained that while the former leader faces an irrevocable expulsion, the door remains open for those who were misled.
"The National Executive Committee (NEC) has welcomed back members who were misled by the expelled Imumolen," Mgbudem declared. He framed this approach as a balance between the core party value of discipline and a commitment to reconciliation where it fosters unity. This step is seen as an effort to consolidate the party's base and prevent a mass exodus of supporters.
Party Stability and Focus on Future Elections
Dismissing any notions of internal crisis, the chairman firmly stated that the Accord Party has no factions at any level of its leadership. He portrayed Accord as one of the most stable and fastest-growing political entities in Nigeria today, with its leadership fully recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
To bolster this claim, Mgbudem referenced court rulings that supported the party's position. He mentioned that a suit filed by Imumolen at the Federal Capital Territory High Court was struck out. The court's position, as cited by the chairman, was that internal party affairs, including leadership disputes and disciplinary measures, are non-justiciable and should be resolved within the party.
Looking ahead, Mgbudem said the party's energy is now channeled towards electoral success. He listed upcoming contests including the Osun governorship election, polls in Ekiti, FCT area council elections, and strategic preparations for the 2027 general elections. He described individuals challenging the party's authority as "political jobbers" and urged the media to always verify facts before publishing reports about Accord's internal matters.
The party's message is clear: it considers the Imumolen chapter closed and is moving forward with a united front, aiming to present itself as a credible alternative to the Nigerian electorate in the coming years.
