In a significant political realignment, the Lagos State chapter of the Accord Party has bolstered its ranks with a major influx of new members from rival political parties. The event, which took place on Monday, 12 January 2026, in the Alimosho area, marks one of the largest single gatherings of defectors into the party in recent times.
A Coalition Born From Diverse Political Backgrounds
The defectors, who were formally received by the State Chairman of Accord, Mr. Dele Oladeji, originated from five different political parties. The group includes former members of the Labour Party (LP), Action Alliance (AA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The movement was spearheaded by Mr. Robert Sowore, a retired banker and financial consultant from the Labour Party. Sowore claimed to have moved into Accord with a formidable bloc of over 1,000 followers. He positioned the Accord Party as the only credible platform for a broad-based political movement capable of challenging the APC's long-standing control in Lagos.
"Accord is the ideal platform for a people-led coalition that will drive a political tsunami in Lagos State," Sowore declared. "The numbers are there. The will of the people is there. We are starting from Alimosho, which is the political capital of Lagos, to take back the state for the people." He emphasized that defeating the APC required a "mass coalition of Lagosians rather than a coalition of elites."
Defectors Cite Ideology and People-Centered Vision
The new members presented a united front, each explaining their migration to Accord based on principle and strategy. Mr. Mayowa Odeyingbo, a technology specialist and former APC member, highlighted the party's unique ideological stance.
"I have been in the PDP and later the APC. I have discovered that most parties in Nigeria are left-leaning," Odeyingbo stated. "Accord is the only centre-right party with a people-centred ideology. It takes care of the rich and the poor, the literate and the illiterate, the connected and the common man."
Another prominent defector, Mr. Olatunde Ibrahim, a former APC senatorial aspirant and tax consultant, pledged to contribute his professional expertise. Having consulted for all six state governments in South-West Nigeria, Ibrahim said he was prepared to bring his skills to the coalition and had already advised the party to establish a Research and Social Development Committee to drive evidence-based policies.
Notable Personalities in the Defection Wave
The event showcased a wide array of political and professional figures joining Accord. Key individuals include:
- Mr. Mayor David: A former LP State House of Assembly candidate who moved from the Action Alliance (AA).
- Mr. Folajimi Babatunde: Defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
- Mr. Ismael Elegbede: Joined from the African Action Congress (AAC).
- A cohort from the PDP including Messrs. Omoseebi Imole (realtor), Olaolu Otuyalo (retired DSS officer), Pastor Alfred Gideon, Anthony Usman, and Olawuyi Isaac.
- Former APC members such as Messrs. Olaoluwa Ogundairo, Obi-Wan Chiwendu, Shola Afolabi, and Sunday Lucas.
Accord Leadership Welcomes 'Political Weight' of New Members
In his address, the State Chairman, Mr. Dele Oladeji, expressed honor at the caliber of individuals joining the party. He underscored Accord's commitment to being a party for the masses, free from godfatherism.
"I am truly honoured and humbled by the political mileage, status, precedents and career credentials of our new members," Oladeji said. "Accord is a party of the masses. We have no godfather here. This is a conducive political space where everyone can grow and flourish. Those who aspire to public office will get the party’s ticket on the basis of capacity and merit."
This development in Lagos follows the high-profile defection of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, from the PDP to the Accord Party to seek re-election, signaling a growing momentum for Accord in the South-West region. The Lagos defection is seen as a strategic move to build a formidable opposition structure ahead of future elections in Nigeria's commercial nerve centre.
