The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has denied knowledge of a parallel governorship primary conducted by a faction of the Accord Party. The disputed primary, which took place in Osogbo, the state capital, on Sunday, saw Bamigbola Clement emerge as the faction’s candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election. However, INEC’s Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, stated that the commission was not notified of the exercise and only monitored the officially recognized Accord Party primary held earlier.

The officially recognized primary, which took place last Wednesday, produced Governor Ademola Adeleke as the party’s candidate, with 145 votes out of 150 accredited delegates. The party’s electoral committee secretary, Abdulazeez Salaudeen, confirmed the results, with five votes voided. In contrast, the factional primary claimed that Bamigbola Clement was selected through a consensus process as the sole aspirant.

The caretaker chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Babalola Akande, has dismissed the factional exercise, insisting that its organizers lacked the authority to conduct a primary on behalf of the party. Akande maintained that Adeleke remains the party’s legitimate governorship candidate, stating that “no parallel arrangement, impersonation, or stage-managed event can overturn this reality.” He warned that the party would pursue legal action against individuals or groups attempting to legitimize or support the factional candidates, describing the move as an attempt by “politically displaced elements seeking a return to relevance through illegitimate means.”

The development highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within the Accord Party, with factions vying for control and recognition. The INEC’s stance on the matter emphasizes the importance of adhering to established procedures and protocols in the electoral process. As the 2026 governorship election approaches, the situation is likely to be closely monitored by stakeholders and observers. The Accord Party’s internal disputes may have significant implications for the election’s outcome and the party’s overall legitimacy.