The national leadership of Accord has distanced itself from reports endorsing Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The party also denied claims that it had directed its Abia State chapter to align with the ruling Labour Party in the state.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Joseph Omorogbe, Accord said the individuals who recently visited Governor Otti at the Government House in Umuahia and declared support for his re-election were not recognised members of the party.
According to the statement, Professor Christopher Imumolen and members of his group were expelled from Accord in 2024 over alleged anti-party activities and therefore lacked the authority to act or speak on behalf of the party.
Naija News reports that Imumolen and his associates had paid a courtesy visit to Governor Otti, during which they publicly backed his 2027 re-election ambition.
However, Accord described the endorsement as invalid and without effect.
“It is obvious that non-members of a political party cannot speak, act, or endorse any aspirant for elective office on behalf of the authentic leadership of the party,” the statement read.
The party further accused Imumolen and his allies of impersonating its leadership and misleading members of the public.
“What Imumolen and his co-travelers did in Umuahia is their usual showmanship and impersonation of the Accord leadership to deceive unsuspecting members of the public. Their antics are well known to discerning citizens,” the statement added.
Accord also criticised Governor Otti for receiving the group without first confirming the party’s recognised leadership structure.
“It is unfortunate that Governor Alex Otti fell victim to these political mercenaries roaming the democratic space seeking vulnerable politicians to exploit during this election season,” the statement said.
The party stressed that the authentic leadership of Accord, as recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is headed by Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden.
“Governor Otti ought to have known the authentic and recognised leadership of every political party as clearly displayed on the INEC website, which recognises Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden as the National Chairman of Accord,” the statement noted.
Accord maintained that only the National Executive Committee led by Mgbuden has the constitutional authority to take decisions regarding elections and candidate endorsements.
“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 stated.
The party urged Nigerians to disregard the alleged endorsement of Governor Otti, describing it as the handiwork of political opportunists attempting to create confusion and division within Accord ahead of future elections.
Accord also advised journalists and media organisations to verify the recognised leadership of political parties through INEC before publishing reports relating to party affairs.
The party reaffirmed its unity under Mgbuden’s leadership and vowed not to allow expelled members or outsiders to use its name for political bargaining or negotiations.