Prof. Christopher Imumolen, the Accord Party's presidential candidate, has officially withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race and thrown his full support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid. The announcement, made on Sunday, August 3, followed extensive consultations with the Accord Party's leadership, with Imumolen emphasizing that the decision was driven purely by national interest rather than personal political ambition.
National Interest Over Personal Ambition
In a statement signed by Imumolen and sighted by Legit.ng on Wednesday, August 5, he argued that unity, political stability, and Nigeria's continued progress must take precedence over individual aspirations. He noted that his choice to stand aside was guided by this principle, reflecting a commitment to the nation's greater good.
Imumolen highlighted significant common ground between Tinubu's reform agenda and his own manifesto, particularly in areas such as economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialization, and national development. He stressed that the decision was not borne out of personal interest but from a deep conviction that Nigeria's unity and stability must prevail.
Ten Reasons for Endorsing Tinubu
Imumolen outlined ten reasons for his endorsement of President Tinubu, each underscoring the president's leadership qualities and policy direction:
- Shared vision for Nigeria: Tinubu's reform agenda aligns with Imumolen's manifesto on economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialization, and national development.
- Exceptional leadership capacity: Tinubu's resilience and ability to navigate Nigeria's complex political and economic landscape demonstrate uncommon courage and strategic leadership.
- Unmatched political sagacity: Throughout Nigeria's democratic history, Tinubu has displayed extraordinary political wisdom and nation-building capacity.
- Commitment to progressive governance: His focus on purposeful leadership, institutional reforms, and continuity provides confidence in Nigeria's long-term growth.
- Ability to discover and empower talent: Tinubu has shown a remarkable ability to identify capable individuals, build consensus, and make difficult decisions for the nation's benefit.
- A bridge between generations: Tinubu is uniquely positioned to facilitate a seamless transition between Nigeria's founding democratic leaders and the emerging generation of transformational leaders.
- Confidence in Nigeria's economic recovery: Despite current economic challenges, Imumolen believes Tinubu's determination and policy direction will reposition Nigeria's economy for sustainable prosperity.
- Inclusive and collaborative leadership: Tinubu's willingness to engage with progressive-minded Nigerians across party lines reflects true statesmanship.
- Nigeria above personal ambition: Imumolen reiterated that his aspiration has always been to serve Nigeria, not merely to hold office, and that national interest must always come first.
- Stability, continuity, and national development: At this critical stage, continuity in governance and policy consistency are essential for attracting investment and building a prosperous Nigeria.
Call for Support
In his statement, Imumolen declared: "Today, I therefore declare my total support for the re-election of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the 2027 Presidential Election. I equally call on members of the Accord Party, my supporters across Nigeria, the youth, professionals, and all patriotic Nigerians to join hands in supporting this national project."
Context and Previous Reports
This development comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the national leadership of Accord advised Osun State residents to vote for Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, citing his record in office. In a press release dated August 3, 2026, signed by National Chairman Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, the party praised Adeleke's work on roads, social amenities, education, healthcare, security, and workers' welfare, asserting that his performance justifies a second term.
Imumolen's endorsement adds a significant voice to the growing support for Tinubu's re-election, as the president's reform agenda continues to attract cross-party backing. The Accord Party's stance, however, remains nuanced, with the party backing Adeleke in Osun while Imumolen personally endorses Tinubu nationally.
