1 hour ago
1
Accord has denied endorsing Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for the 2027 gubernatorial poll.
Accord also said that it did not direct its Abia State state chapter to support the ruling Labour Party in the state.
A statement signed by Accord’s spokesperson, Joseph Omorogbe, reminded Nigerians that Prof. Christopher Imumolen and his group are not members of the party, having been expelled in 2024 for anti-party activities.
Imumolen and his team recently paid a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti at Government House Umuahia, Abia State, where they endorsed the governor for a second term.
However, the national leadership of Accord described the endorsement as null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
“It is obvious that non-members of a political party can not speak, act, or endorse any aspirant for any elective position on behalf of the authentic leadership of the party,” the statement said.
It added, “What Imumolen and his co-travelers did in Umuahia is their usual showmanship and impersonation of the Accord leadership to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public. Their antics are well known to all discerning citizens.
“It is unfortunate that Gov Alex Otti fell victim to these political mercenaries roaming the democratic space seeking vulnerable politicians to exploit in this election season.
“Gov Otti ought to have known the authentic and recognised leadership of every political party as clearly displayed in the INEC website, which has Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden as the national chairman of Accord
“Accordingly, it is only Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden’s National Executive Committee, NEC, that has the power to present candidates for elections at all levels.”
The party urged Nigerians to disregard the purported endorsement of Gov Otti for re-election, adding that it is the handwork of political merchants who want to cause disaffection, discord and division in the party.
The party enjoined journalists to always verify the leadership of a political party with INEC to avoid misleading citizens who rely on their news reports.
Accord said it remains united under the leadership of Mgbuden and is ready for the upcoming elections.
