Accord Party denies endorsing Tinubu, backs Adeleke for Osun poll

The Accord Party on Thursday denied claims that it had endorsed President Bola Tinubu, saying it remains focused on supporting Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, stated this during a press conference in Abuja.

“There is nothing like that. This is a political party and Governor Adeleke is our candidate. If there is any such endorsement, I assure you that the media will be the first to know. It will come from here.

“Every candidate will emerge after the primaries. We have just finished our NEC meeting but still working on the modalities. Many aspirants are presently rushing to buy forms for various positions after we announced our nomination fees and timetable,” he said.

The clarification followed controversy over a billboard in Iwo, Osun State, which featured images of Tinubu and Adeleke.

While the All Progressives Congress accused Adeleke of exploiting the President’s image, the governor’s camp denied the allegation.

Mgbudem expressed confidence in Adeleke’s chances in the 2027 poll.

“On Governor Adeleke, everybody in this country knows he has done wonderfully well in the state. And the people are eager to vote for him again,” he stated.

He added that the party was not worried about opposition, insisting that Adeleke would secure victory.

The chairman also dismissed reports of a leadership crisis within the party, insisting that there was no faction.

“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 for INEC to comply with,” he said.