By Abubakar Yunusa
The Accord Party on Thursday disowned a protest staged at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, declaring that there is no faction or leadership crisis within its ranks.
Speaking at a world press conference, the National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbuden, described the protest as a “poorly scripted show” orchestrated by expelled members seeking cheap publicity ahead of forthcoming elections.
He said as Nigeria approaches the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls and the 2027 general elections, “political clowns and jobbers” had resumed activities aimed at misleading the public by fabricating non-existent crises within political parties.
Mgbuden specifically accused the party’s former 2023 presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, of staging the protest on April 21, 2026, with a handful of supporters, claiming leadership of the party based on what he termed an imaginary court order.
The chairman noted that the party initially ignored the incident to avoid giving it undue attention but decided to address it to prevent misinformation among Nigerians.
“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no leadership dispute or faction in Accord, and there is no court order in favour of Imumolen or anybody,” he said.
Providing details of the legal tussle, Mgbuden explained that an earlier ex parte order allegedly obtained by Imumolen in August 2024 had since lapsed, while subsequent court rulings directed him and his associates to vacate the party’s national secretariat.
He added that the court eventually struck out Imumolen’s suit in July 2025 for lack of jurisdiction, effectively ending what he described as attempts to hijack the party’s leadership.
The chairman further revealed that Imumolen was expelled from the party on November 20, 2024, following recommendations of a disciplinary committee set up to investigate allegations of anti-party activities.
According to him, the former candidate failed to honour invitations by the committee and did not appeal his expulsion, thereby ceasing to be a member of the party.
Mgbuden urged party members, aspirants and the general public to disregard any claims suggesting a leadership dispute, insisting that the party remains united under its duly elected leadership.
He reaffirmed that his emergence as national chairman followed a convention held in Abuja in July 2024 and monitored by INEC, noting that Imumolen did not participate in the process.
The party also distanced itself completely from the protest at INEC, stressing that it did not emanate from its structure and would no longer respond to what it called “the antics of a failed politician.”
Looking ahead, Mgbuden said Accord was focused on the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections as well as the 2027 general polls.
He added that the party, which he described as the ruling party in Osun State, was committed to delivering dividends of democracy and continued to witness an influx of new members across the country.
“Accord remains peaceful and united. Nigerians know there is no faction. We are focused on building a stronger democratic future,” he said.
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