Osun guber: Imumolen speaks on challenge before Adeleke after electoral success

By Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

The Prof. Chris Imumolen-led faction of the Accord has said that the primary challenge facing Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun is not merely the outcome of the governorship election, but the legal and political effects of the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.
Imumolen said this in a statement titled “Two Reasons Gov. Adeleke is Endorsing President Bola Tinubu,” issued on Sunday in Abuja.
He noted that Adeleke’s current political alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be a strategic calculation designed to avoid political confrontation amid the political tussle in Osun.
Imumolen equally identified the legal tussle currently rocking the party as the second reason Adeleke was endorsing Tinubu.
Imumolen noted that the stakes in Osun escalated following the withdrawal of his faction’s support for Adeleke and his alignment with Bola Oyebamiji of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, during the APC mega rally in Osun.
He, however, said that the battle surrounding Adeleke was beyond who secures the majority of votes at the ballot box, but the unresolved legal contest between him and the Maxwell Mgbudem-led factions over the national leadership of the Accord.
While the Mgbudem-led group backed Adeleke, the Imumolen faction insists it remains the only legitimate and recognised executive structure of the party.
Imumolen said that should the courts ultimately rule in favour of his executive committee, the judgment could have far-reaching implications that extend beyond internal party governance to impact the very foundation upon which Adeleke contested.
“Could Adeleke’s political calculation be influenced by the possibility that the Accord leadership dispute may ultimately be determined by the courts? That is the question Osun people should be asking,” Imumolen stated.
He, however, said that political assessment must be distinguished from established legal facts, noting that a court victory for his faction might not automatically lead to the governor’s removal from office.
According to him, the actual legal outcome will depend on the explicit orders of the court, the final judgment, and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
H”What is clear is that the political battle has had two fronts: the ballot box and the courtroom,” he said.
He added that election result might settle the electoral contest, but it did not automatically extinguish a separate legal dispute over party leadership.
“The ballot may produce a winner, but the court will determine the legal consequences,” Imumolen added.
Imumolen reaffirmed his faction support for President Tinubu ahead of 2027.

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