Prof. Chris Imumolen, the Accord Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and factional leader, has denied claims that he is aligned with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, insisting that his faction of the party has its own candidate for the forthcoming governorship election and remains focused on resolving an internal leadership dispute through the courts.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, Imumolen addressed questions about the ongoing leadership tussle within Accord, the party’s legal battle over its status, and allegations that he is working to advance the political interests of Governor Adeleke.
Imumolen said Accord welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of a judgment that had threatened the status of several political parties, including Accord. He said the party was awaiting further proceedings and expressed confidence that the matter would eventually be resolved.
According to him, Accord should not have been listed among parties facing possible deregistration because the party has won elective positions in the past and continues to have elected members.
The former presidential candidate also defended his claim to the party’s national chairmanship, despite INEC’s recognition of another faction’s leadership.
He said a court had ordered INEC to recognise his faction, adding that he remained convinced that the legal process would ultimately settle the dispute.
Responding to questions about whether he accepted the leadership recognised by INEC, Imumolen said: “I do not accept Ndubem, and many members of Accord, leadership of Accord, state chairmen of Accord are on the same chapter with me.”
On the political situation in Osun State, Imumolen rejected suggestions that his faction was backing Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Instead, he maintained that the faction had conducted its own primary election and produced a candidate.
“We have our candidate which is Clement Kolawole,” he said, adding that the candidate’s name and supporting documents had been submitted to INEC.
When asked about reports that he had privately pledged loyalty to Adeleke, Imumolen dismissed the claim.
“I have not pledged any private allegiance to Governor Adeleke,” he said.
He added that his focus was on ensuring that Accord followed what he described as the proper process in resolving its internal disputes and preparing for future elections.
Imumolen also rejected claims that he and other opposition figures were working on behalf of the ruling APC to weaken political opponents.
He argued that the court cases involving his faction predated Adeleke’s association with the party and were rooted in disagreements over party leadership rather than electoral calculations.
“The order that we speak about today was granted in 2024. It is before even Adeleke joined our political party,” he said.
The Accord chieftain further defended his engagement with politicians across party lines, saying discussions with members of other parties should not be interpreted as evidence of political sponsorship or alliance.
According to him, politicians can meet and exchange ideas on governance and national development regardless of their party affiliations.
Despite questions about the relative electoral strength of Adeleke and Accord’s candidate, Imumolen declined to make a direct comparison, insisting that the focus should remain on the party and its prospects at the polls.
He said the dispute over the party’s leadership remains before the courts, with further hearings expected.
Ademide Adebayo
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